class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>Struggling for goals at Anfield, Al Hain-Cole expects Klopp's men to suffer a frustrating game against a Saints side that beat them 1-0 in January
Liverpool will be hoping to keep their fading Champions League hopes alive when they welcome Southampton to Anfield in Saturday’s Premier League clash.
The Reds head into the weekend seven points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea, although do have a game in hand after last weekend’s match against Manchester United was postponed.
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Liverpool vs Southampton Latest Odds
Having won six of their last seven matches against this opposition, they are 2/7 (1.29) favourites with bet365 to stay in the top four race by coming out on top once again.
However, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team ran out 1-0 winners in January’s reverse encounter and can be backed at 9/1 (10.00) to complete the double by causing another upset here.
The hosts’ last three matches have all resulted in draws, and there are odds of 9/2 (5.50) available on them being held to yet another stalemate in this one.
Liverpool vs Southampton Team News
Nat Phillips has returned from the injury that kept him out of the last two matches, although Caoimhin Kelleher, Virgil Van Dijk, Joel Matip, Joe Gomez, Divock Origi and Jordan Henderson are all ruled out.
Takumi Minimino is ineligible to face his parent club, while Michael Obafemi is doubtful and Oriol Romeu, William Smallbone, Ryan Bertrand and Danny Ings are sidelined.
Liverpool vs Southampton Preview
For a home team desperate for three points, the Saints represent a welcome opponent considering they have lost eight of their last nine league matches on the road – avoiding defeat against only rock bottom Sheffield United in that run.
However, recent performances suggest they are unlikely to merely roll over at Anfield, having only lost to a last-minute penalty away at Tottenham before earning a highly creditable 1-1 draw against Leicester despite playing with just 10 men for 80 minutes.
They will therefore back themselves to make life difficult for Jurgen Klopp’s men, who have scored only four goals in nine league matches on home turf and found the net just five times in their last five fixtures.
Liverpool vs Southampton Tips and Predictions
Having held Liverpool at arm’s length in their 1-0 win at St Mary’s, odds of 13/8 (2.63) look generous on Southampton ensuring under 2.5 goals are scored for a ninth game in 11 at Anfield.
All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.