After finishing in the top half of the table last year, things have gone much worse for Southampton this time around. The Saints are just two points out of the relegation zone and desperately need points from their remaining matches.
That means finding a way to get points in a huge clash against Liverpool on Sunday. Liverpool has been the giant killer of the Premier League under Jurgen Klopp, but the club has had its fair share of letdowns against teams in the bottom half of the table. That should give Southampton some encouragement heading into this one.
Don't miss the English Premier League action from St. Mary’s Stadium at 11:30 a.m. ET on Sunday, February 11, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on NBCSN.
EPL Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Liverpool -128
Southampton +332
Draw +277
Over/Under 2.5, 3
Odds Analysis
Although Liverpool has not been the best team against weaker opponents, the Reds are nonetheless odds-on favorites to take the full three points out of this match. Liverpool became the first team to knock off Man City a few weeks ago, but they remained true to form by losing its next two matches against Swansea and West Brom.
Southampton got a huge road win against West Brom last weekend to help put some distance between themselves and the other teams vying to stay up in the Premier League. The Saints are 1-3-0 in their last four Premier League games, getting some crucial points in the process.
Key Absences
It will be interesting to see whether or not Adam Lallana is in the lineup for Liverpool this weekend. Lallana has not been match fit for most of the year, playing in just seven games this season. Recently, he has battled a groin injury that has caused him to miss the team’s last few matches. However, his temper may be what keeps him out of this one. In a rehab stint with the U-23 club, he was shown a straight red card for attacking a young Tottenham player after the play. It was a bad look for Lallana and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Klopp sit him for additional games as a result.
As for Southampton, the Saints are relatively injury-free. Charlie Austin continues to be missing due to a thigh injury, but we knew that it would take him a while to recover.
Matchup to Watch
This will be a welcome home for many of Liverpool’s current players, as the Reds have raided Southampton for talent often over the last few seasons. Liverpool has signed six players away from Southampton in recent years, and it will be interesting to see how they fare in their return.
Virgil van Dijk was the most recent, and most expensive, transfer of the bunch. Liverpool signed him for a whopping 75 million pounds a little over a month ago and he has been impressive since joining the team. The talent is obvious when you look at him as he has the raw size and on the ball presence you need from a center back.
In addition to him, it will be a return home for Lallana (provided he plays), Dejan Lovren, and Sadio Mane.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Even without van Dijk, Southampton has continued to play well on the defensive front. However, Liverpool will be just too much for them on Sunday. This is a team that can score with the best of them and it will be hard for the Saints to stop them. Mo Salah has been phenomenal this season and has played well with Mane and Roberto Firmino.
I would love to take Southampton with this being a look-ahead situation for Liverpool, but it’s just not in the cards. Look for Liverpool to dominate the proceedings in this one.
English Premier League Odds: Liverpool 2, Southampton 0
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