Premier League preview and odds: Southampton vs Liverpool

Published on: 19/03/2016

Premier League preview and odds: Southampton vs Liverpool

March 20, 2016 13:30pm - St. Mary´s Stadium

Premier League

Two teams still with an outside chance of a top four place will go head-to-head on Sunday as seventh-ranked Southampton welcome eight-ranked Liverpool to St. Mary`s.

European hopes fading for Saints

A run of four games with just one win has scuppered Southampton`s feint hopes of grabbing a European qualification spot. The Saints are currently four points adrift of fifth-ranked West Ham and seven point short of fourth-ranked Manchester City - however, they have played a game more than both of those teams.

Ronald Koeman`s men have had an up and down season but will be looking to finish on a high. They will also be looking for revenge for the 1-6 thrashing inflicted on them by Liverpool in the League cup back in December. They come into this game on the back of a 2-1 victory away to Stoke City. In their last game on home soil, they played out a 1-1 draw against Sunderland.

Reds on high after Europa exploits

Liverpool will be hoping to remain focused following their midweek aggregate victory over fierce rivals Manchester United in the Europa League.

In their last six matches in all competitions, the Reds only defeat came via a penalty shootout against Manchester City in the Capital One Cup final. In the Premier League, the Anfield club have won their last three and are unbeaten in four. In their last league game, they edged to a 2-1 win away to Crystal Palace and prior to that, they cruised to a 3-0 win at home to Manchester City.

Team news

The home side will be without the injured pair of Charlie Austin and Florin Gardos.

Meanwhile, the visitors are still without Lucas Leiva, Kevin Stewart, Danny Ings and Joe Gomez.

Recent form (League)

Southampton: WDLLW

Liverpool: WWWDL

Betting odds and tips

Liverpool seem to be on an upward trajectory under Jurgen Klopp and have won four of their last six games away from home. The Saints have won three of their last six at home but are winless in their last two.

Given their current confidence and their previous performance at St. Marys, Liverpool look good value for the win at 9/5 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 19/03/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (19/03/2016 12:10:00) but are subject to change.