Both Liverpool and Southampton have had times where they have impressed and times when they have really disappointed us. Liverpool especially have gone on a bit of a rollercoaster so far this season, we have seen them at their brilliant best, and at other times they have been so bad defensively it has been bizarre to watch.
Despite their mixed fortunes, Liverpool have done well enough to currently be 5th in the Premier League and they will know that if they can put together a string of good results the top four is close. Southampton are in a strange position right now, and the next few weeks will shape which way they go. They are just two points away from 8th place, and only four points ahead of the relegation zone, the league is tight and a run of wins or defeats can dramatically change things.
English Premier League – Anfield Saturday 18th November 2017 – 15:00 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 19/5 at Ladbrokes |
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Liverpool
SouthamptonLiverpool Form
It may have only been two games against West Ham and Huddersfield, but in their two games before the international break, Liverpool looked very impressive. They return to play at home against a team that they know they can beat, and a win would take them to three wins in a row. The game after that for Liverpool is a home game against Chelsea, and that could be their opportunity to leapfrog them and move into the top four.
However, the bad side of Liverpool has been their defensive play this season. Despite sitting in 5th position and going well, they have conceded 17 goals from 11 games, and that is certainly not top four form. This is something they were expected to solve during the summer but never brought anyone in and assuming they are close to the top four in January, I fully expect to see them try and resolve this issue then.
Southampton Form
Despite only winning three games, Southampton have managed to pick up four draws so they have been able to pick up points on a regular basis and keep clear of the relegation zone. However, with two of their next three games coming against Liverpool and Manchester City there is a chance they could fall closer to the bottom three, unless they manage to pull out a surprise result.
One area they do need to look at and improve on is their goal scoring, they have scored just nine goals from 11 games. Their defensive play has been pretty good, conceding just 11 in the same number of games, but it is goals they need to win games. They have enough options but for whatever reason they are struggling to fire right now, it could be down to tactics and if that is the case, they have to find a way out of this.
Team News
Steering away from Liverpool’s defensive issues, their front three has been in fantastic form throughout the season and their last game against West Ham was no different. Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah are all linking together very well and Southampton will have to be at their defensive best to stop them from dominating this game.
Southampton need to find goals, it is as simple as that. They have been playing Manolo Gabbiadini, but also have Charlie Austin and Shane Long to call upon, and whichever one it is, someone needs to come to the fore and start finding the net on a regular basis. With Liverpool looking like free scorers this season, Southampton are going to have to do something to keep up with them, although they do have a vulnerable defence to attack.
Top Betting Tips
Liverpool look to have too much attacking strength for Southampton and I think they will go on to win this game comfortably. They are vulnerable in defence, and Southampton will want to target that, although Liverpool will have too much strength if this game turns into a shootout. There is very little value in the 90 minute market so I am going to back a correct score in this game to try and land a big price winner. I am going to back Liverpool to win the game 3-1, which is priced at 12/1 with Ladbrokes and is something that I believe offers good value. Liverpool have the attacking strike force to score three goals no problem, but I don’t trust their defence and can see Southampton sneaking a goal at some point in the game. Liverpool look capable of winning comfortably, and I am going to back the score line 3-1.