The Premier League returns as Southampton hosts Liverpool at St. Mary’s Stadium on Sunday, November 24th, 2024, at 6:00 AM (GMT). Southampton, under new management, will aim to secure a surprise result against a formidable Liverpool side. Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool will look to continue their strong title challenge with a commanding victory.
Southampton vs Liverpool Form Guide
Southampton
Southampton has been struggling this season and has yet to display any significant strengths to challenge the top sides. Their main struggles have been finishing scoring chances, defending set pieces, and protecting a lead. They have also been weak against through ball attacks and aerial duels, which will be a concern against Liverpool’s attacking threats. Their style of play is based on short passes and possession football, with an aggressive approach down the right side of the field.
Liverpool
Liverpool, on the other hand, boasts a much stronger record, with counter-attacks and finishing scoring chances being among their key strengths. Klopp’s men have been effective in creating chances using through balls, defending set pieces, and winning aerial duels. They are also very strong at protecting a lead, which makes them a dangerous opponent.
Southampton vs Liverpool Key Battles
Cameron Archer vs Mohamed Salah
Cameron Archer, with 2 goals, has shown promising potential in his performances, albeit on a smaller scale compared to the prolific Mohamed Salah. Salah, the standout player for Liverpool, has netted 8 goals, solidifying his role as the team’s top scorer. While Archer is still in the early stages of his career and continues to grow, Salah’s established consistency at the highest level sets him apart as one of the most formidable forwards in world football.
Yukinari Sugawara vs Luis Diaz
Yukinari Sugawara has contributed 2 goals and assists combined for Southampton, showing solid involvement in his team’s attacking play. However, when compared to Luis Diaz of Liverpool, who has accumulated 7 goals and assists, the difference in impact is evident. Diaz’s higher tally highlights his crucial role in Liverpool’s offensive strategy, as he consistently provides both goals and assists. While Sugawara has had his moments, Diaz’s greater contribution, with more involvement in key scoring opportunities, underscores his importance to Liverpool’s attack.
Southampton vs Liverpool Tactical Outlook
Southampton’s tactical setup will likely focus on maintaining possession with short passes while trying to be aggressive down the right. They will need to find a way to tighten up defensively, especially when dealing with Liverpool’s attacking moves and quick counter-attacks. It will be essential for Southampton to exploit Liverpool’s weaknesses, but they will also need to be more clinical in their finishing.
Liverpool will aim to dominate possession and control the tempo of the match. Their attacking play, with Salah, Diaz, and Núñez, will look to break down Southampton’s defense, while their strong midfield will look to restrict Southampton’s opportunities. Defensively, Liverpool will aim to minimize any space for counter-attacks and will likely focus on set-pieces and aerial dominance to create goal-scoring chances.
Head-to-Head Encounters
In recent history, Liverpool has dominated the head-to-head encounters with Southampton, winning 16 out of 26 matches, while Southampton has only won 6. Four times between these teams scoreboard has frozen in draws. Based on form and previous results, Liverpool will be the favorites to win this encounter, with bookmakers offering odds of 10.00 for Southampton to win, 5.75 for a draw, and 1.29 for Liverpool to win.
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Injury News and Suspensions
Southampton
Aaron Ramsdale is expected to be sidelined until mid-December 2024 due to a broken finger. Gavin Bazunu is facing a longer recovery, with an Achilles tendon injury keeping him out until mid-January 2025. Jan Bednarek is dealing with a muscle injury and is anticipated to return by early December 2024.
Liverpool
Alisson Becker is expected to be back in action within a few days after recovering from a hamstring injury. Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa are both dealing with injuries, with Jota’s rib issue keeping him out until early December 2024, while Chiesa’s muscle injury also requires recovery time until early December.
Southampton vs Liverpool Possible Playing Squads
Southampton
McCarthy (GK), Stephens, Harwood-Bellis, Wood, Walker-Peters, Lallana, Downes, Fernandes, Sugawara, Archer, Armstrong
Liverpool
Kelleher (GK), Tsimikas, Van Dijk, Konaté, Bradley, Alexis Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Díaz, Jones, Salah, Núñez
Match Details at a Glance
| Match | Date | Time | Format | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southampton vs Liverpool | Sunday, November 24th, 2024 | 6:00 AM (GMT) | Premier League | St. Mary’s Stadium, Southampton |
Match Prediction
Given the current form of both teams, Liverpool enters this match as the clear favorites. While Southampton will fight hard at home, their defensive weaknesses and poor record against top sides make it unlikely for them to secure any points here. Liverpool will look to continue their strong run with a comfortable win.
Score Prediction
A 4-0 victory for Liverpool seems plausible, with Salah and Díaz expected to lead the charge in a dominant performance.
Disclaimer: This Football prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.