Southampton will have the tough task of facing runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool on Saturday, and will hope to test Jürgen Klopp’s side.
Liverpool are yet to lose a game this season in the Premier League, and are unbeaten at Anfield for more than two years, so Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side will be up against it.
The Saints are one of the most in-form sides in the Premier League, having won four out of their last six league games – form which has seen them climb up to ninth in the league table.
The last time they faced Liverpool at St Mary’s, they push Klopp’s side but were unlucky to not get anything from the game after losing 2-1.
Southampton Team News
Hasenhuttl has confirmed that Stuart Armstrong is unavailable for the clash, while Cedric Soares has joined Arsenal on loan until the end of the season.
New arrival Kyle Walker-Peters is unlikely to play a part considering he recently signed for the club and is yet to acclimatise to training.
Predicted Southampton Lineup vs Liverpool
Defence
A strong defence has been one of the reasons why Southampton have been impressive of late. Barring the clash against Wolves where they conceded thrice after taking a two-goal lead, Hasenhuttl’s side have conceded just twice in five games, and have drawn only one of those.
Alex McCarthy has done really well in goal, and should retain his place in the Southampton lineup. The duo of Jack Stephens and Yannik Vestergaard have forged a good partnership, and should start in the centre-back roles.
With Cedric no longer at the club, Yan Valery should feature at right-back, while Ryan Bertrand should keep his place at left-back.
Midfield
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and James Ward-Prowse should once again start in central midfield in the Southampton lineup. Their work-rate has been a key cog in Hasenhuttl’s style of play, but they will come up against a Liverpool midfield that has set new standards in terms of work ethic.
Sofiane Boufal and Moussa Djenepo should complete the Southampton lineup. The two wide players will come up against the best full-backs in the league, and they can ill-afford to let their concentration slip. They will have openings going forward, and need to make full use of that.
Attack
Danny Ings had an unlucky spell at Liverpool, but the in-form striker could upset a few fans if he keeps up his goal-scoring form.
Ings and Nathan Redmond will come up against a mean defence, one that has conceded just once in the last eight games.
