English Premier League Match Preview:
When they say that certain fixtures in a particular season have been future defining, same can be said for the two teams that will go head to head at the Saint Mary stadium on Sunday. Ranked as 1st and 2nd on the form-guide respectively, Liverpool and Southampton can’t afford a negative result in this match.
This statement is truer for the Reds more than that for the Saints, because it will be the Saints that will go into this match with a healthy 4 point lead.
Here is how Liverpool should lineup against Southampton: –
Simon Mignolet
No debate about this. When Demba Ba took the ball for Besiktas and went on for testing Simon Mignolet 1 on 1 on Thursday night, painful memories might have been evoked for the Reds fans as the last time that happened, they were grounded. However, thanks to a heroic save by their Belgian this time around, the score-board was un-moved.
Emre Can
When they say that Germans can’t fail no matter which league they play, Emre Can has been a solid proof of that. However, starting his 5th match in a matter of two weeks, the 21 year old might feel the heat on Sunday.
Martin Skrtel
Starting from that match against Tottenham to that win against Besiktas on Thursday, Martin Skrtel came to the rescue every-time for the Reds when either of Mamadou Sakho or Emre Can was found out of position. He is expected to retain his position at the role of center-back against Southampton.
Mamadou Sakho
When they say that football is a game of two halves, the giant-looking Frenchman has been a reminiscence of it. Storming out from that Merseyside derby at the start of this season – to becoming a hero for the Reds both on and off the pitch now, the Frenchman has become a vital part for the Reds campaign of late.
Jordan Henderson
While many neutrals would have questioned the idea of Brendan Rodgers to hand Jordan Henderson the armband, Thursday’s penalty row with Mario Balotelli epitomized the stature of decision that was taken by the Northern Irishman. He will start on the same role in which he played against Besiktas on Thursday.
Joe Allen
While many people questioned his place in the Liverpool squad, let alone in the starting 11 of late, the injuries suffered by both Lucas Leiva and Steven Gerrard has gifted the Irish with an opportunity to reinvigorate his Liverpool career.
Adam Lallana
Although he left Southampton with a full page advert to thank the Saints’ fans, the 26 year old will be in for a dicey welcome at the Saint Mary on Sunday.
Alberto Moreno
While many of Liverpool’s summer signings have taken some-time to introduce themselves on the grand stage, Alberto Moreno was the first player to become a fan favorite immediately. Courtesy to that thunderbolt which he scored against Tottenham in August, the Spaniard quickly got the appraisal from the Reds’ fans.
Raheem Sterling
For a man who has carried the weight of eternity on his shoulders in the absence of Sturridge, this might well be the time when Sterling can express himself freely. With Balotelli and Sturridge to operate in-front of him, the 20 year old can afford to be a little selfish.
Daniel Sturridge
Goals scored 1, assisted 1, these have been the stats that have gnawed the ability of the talisman once again since his return from injury. Having the ability to slalom past the defenders, Sturridge might prove to be a trump card for the Reds.
Mario Balotelli
Although Liverpool fans have experienced the torture of Stewart Downing when the left wing forward wasn’t able to score a goal in his 1st season, the notion of a similar thing happening to the heir of Luis Suarez was un-thinkable.
But thanks to his recent prowess in front of goal – catalyzed by his selfishness as evident from that game against Besiktas, the Italian has finally come of age for the Reds.
Southampton Vs Liverpool will be played on Sunday 22nd February, at 17:15 GMT[Match Center]
Barclays Premier League - Southampton vs Liverpool: How will Liverpool lineup against the Saints on Sunday
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