Liverpool heads into this game after a convincing 2-0 win over Aston Villa before the international break, with Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah finding the net. That victory extended their dominance under manager Arne Slot, marking their 15th win in 17 games across all competitions.
Slot’s team also sits comfortably atop the Champions League group stage standings and holds a five-point lead over second-placed Manchester City, who stumbled against Brighton.
Slot’s impact has been remarkable. The Dutch coach could become the first Liverpool manager to achieve 10 Premier League wins in his first 12 games—a feat only managed by Chelsea legends Carlo Ancelotti and Guus Hiddink. Additionally, Liverpool has been prolific on the road, scoring at least twice in six of their last seven away games.
On the other hand, Southampton finds themselves rooted to the bottom of the table after a tough 2-0 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers in their previous outing. Goals from Pablo Sarabia and Matheus Cunha left the Saints reeling, with Wolves leapfrogging them in the standings. Even with a shock win against Liverpool, Southampton would remain four points adrift of safety.
The Saints have shown glimpses of resilience, winning their last two home games against Everton and Stoke City. They’ve also scored in their last four matches at St. Mary’s. Historically, Southampton has fared well against teams at the top, losing just one of their last eight league encounters with table leaders.
That record includes a 1-0 victory over Liverpool in January 2021. However, the recent past hasn’t been kind to them—Southampton has lost five and drawn one of their last six meetings with the Reds, including a 3-0 FA Cup defeat in February.
Liverpool will aim to extend their winning streak, while Southampton hopes to spark a turnaround. For both teams, this match carries significant stakes.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Liverpool’s victory over Aston Villa came with a setback, as Trent Alexander-Arnold suffered a hamstring injury in the first half, ruling him out of England duty. Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk returned early from international duty with the Netherlands due to “medical grounds.”Manager Arne Slot confirmed on Friday that Van Dijk is fit to play against Southampton, but Alexander-Arnold remains sidelined and hasn’t resumed training. He’ll miss the trip to St. Mary’s alongside Alisson Becker (hamstring), Diogo Jota (abdominal), and Federico Chiesa (fitness).
On a brighter note, Harvey Elliott has recovered from a foot fracture and is back in full training, potentially featuring against the Saints. Conor Bradley is likely to replace Alexander-Arnold at right-back.
Southampton also faces defensive headaches. Manager Russell Martin will be without Aaron Ramsdale (finger) and Jan Bednarek (knee), who are both set for extended spells on the sidelines. They join Gavin Bazunu (Achilles), Ross Stewart (hamstring), and William Smallbone (hamstring) in the treatment room. However, Flynn Downes (knee) and Ryan Fraser (illness) are expected to return after missing the defeat to Wolves.
Alex McCarthy is the obvious replacement for Ramsdale in goal, while Martin may consider moving Yukinari Sugawara into a central defensive role to cover for Bednarek, unless Nathan Wood is finally handed his first Premier League appearance of the season.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Southampton possible starting lineup:McCarthy; Walker-Peters, Sugawara, Stephens, Harwood-Bellis, Manning; Armstrong, Downes, Aribo, Fernandes; Archer
Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Jones, Gakpo; Nunez
EXPERT PREDICTION
Southampton 0-2 Liverpool
With a patched-up and injury-hit defense, it’s hard to imagine Southampton holding off Liverpool for long. The league leaders seem poised to either maintain or widen their commanding lead at the top.
