Southampton vs Liverpool: Reds Aim to Extend Top-Spot Reign | OneFootball

Southampton v Liverpool – Premier League Preview

Date – 24 November 2024

Venue – St Mary’s Stadium

Kick-off – 14.00

Following another international break, the Reds resume their Premier League schedule with an away day on the south coast against bottom-placed Southampton. Arne Slot praised his team’s ascent to the top of the Premier League, wanting to continue his winning run and maintain their position at the pinnacle of the standings.

Southampton Availability

In terms of availability, Gavin Bazunu, Aaron Ramsdale, Jan Bednarek, Ross Stewart, William Smallbone, and Flynn Downes, are all missing for this Sunday afternoon encounter, as the Saint’s 38-year-old manager, Russell Martin, attempts to turn the tide on his team’s disappointing return to the English top tier.

Regarding early season form, a 0-2 loss away to Wolves came after a solid 1-0 home win, against fellow Premier League strugglers, Everton. In the EFL Cup round of 16, Southampton beat Stoke City at home, 3-2, to set up a quarter-final clash with Liverpool at St Mary’s Stadium on the 18th of December. Following the initial eleven games played this season, last season’s promoted club sit 20th in the top division with just four points taken thus far.

A predicted lineup for the home team is listed below, in a 3-4-3 formation. I expect a very shaky performance by the relegation-haunted outfit, with injuries only adding to their disastrous early season run of losses. Alex McCarthy will have to start this game, with the goalkeeping department decimated by injuries.

GK – Alex McCarthy

RWB – Kyle Walker-Peters

RCB – James Bree

CB – Taylor Harwood-Bellis

LCB – Jack Stephens

LWB – Ryan Manning

CM – Joe Aribo

CM – Lesley Ugochukwu

RW – Tyler Dibling

CF – Cameron Archer

LW – Ben Brereton Díaz

The Liverpool Availability

In terms of injuries, Harvey Elliott remains sidelined for a few more days, as he continues to rehabilitate from a fractured foot. Federico Chiesa will be out for a little while longer to continue his bespoke fitness regime, designed to improve his physicality. Alisson Becker remains a doubt as he continues his rehabilitation, whereas Diogo Jota is out for another week. Trent Alexander Arnold is still nursing an injury and should be back for Manchester City’s trip to Anfield next weekend.

Regarding recent form, the Reds overcame fellow Champions League side, Aston Villa, as the midlands club was beaten by the Merseyside side by a solid 2-0 scoreline. Before the league win, Arne Slot welcomed Bayer Leverkusen to Anfield on the Tuesday prior, where they dismantled the German side by an emphatic 4-0 score line. A very impressive comeback saw Liverpool beat Brighton, 1-2, to 38-year-old ensure that good form was carried into the international break.

Below is the team I believe the Dutch boss, Arne Slot, will start for this away encounter. The need to manage those returning from South America will have to be addressed, especially with home games against both Real Madrid and Manchester City next week.

GK – Caoimhin Kelleher

RB – Conor Bradley

RCB – Ibrahima Konaté

LCB – Virgil van Dijk (c)

LB – Andy Robertson

CM – Curtis Jones

ACM – Dominik Szoboszlai

CM – Ryan Gravenberch

RF – Mohamed Salah

CF – Luis Díaz

LF – Cody Gakpo

How Will This Contest Play Out

Liverpool will have to be cautious not to underestimate a team that is already struggling to win any points. A controlled possession game will be undertaken to ensure the hosts are pinned in. With Saints likely to persevere with their dangerous attempts at maintaining control of the ball, the pressing of the visitors will prove vital and ensure a successful away win. Tyler Dibling will have to be watched closely, with the teenage sensation offering the main outlet for his under-pressure manager.

Player to watch – Luis Díaz

Steven Smith’s Match Prediction

Southampton 0 – 2 Liverpool