Southampton will look to deal a blow to Liverpool’s top four hopes in a Premier League clash at St Mary’s Stadium on Sunday, 11 February 2018, kick-off at 18h30 CAT.
Southampton are placed just three positions and two points above the relegation zone, though they have put together a four-game unbeaten streak in the top flight to ease the pressure on manager Mauricio Pellegrino.
The Saints had gone 12 league games without a win, but last weekend they secured a dramatic 3-2 victory at the Hawthorns over West Bromwich Albion thanks to goals from Mario Lemina, Jack Stephens and James Ward-Prowse.
Liverpool’s inconsistent form continued when they were held 2-2 at home by Tottenham Hotspur in a controversial match last Sunday, though the scoring spree of Egyptian striker Mohamed Salah – who has 21 league goals so far this season – remains a highlight for Reds supporters.
Jurgen Klopp will view this match as a must-win as Liverpool look to further consolidate their place in the top four and try to chase down rivals Manchester United. ‘Pool are third on 51 points, five adrift of their arch rivals in second place.
The match will also see the return to St Mary’s of defender Virgil van Dijk, who was signed from Southampton for a record 75 million pounds by Liverpool. It’s fair to say he can expect a hostile reception from the Saints faithful.
In head-to-head stats, Southampton and Liverpool have met in 84 matches across all competitions. The Reds have claimed 40 wins compared to 23 for the Saints, while 21 games have been drawn.
The teams’ most recent meeting was a Premier League clash at Anfield in November 2017 which saw Liverpool claim a 3-0 win thanks to goals from Mohamed Salah (two) and Philippe Coutinho. It broke a five-game winless streak for the Reds against Southampton.
Recent league form, latest results first
| Southampton | W | D | D | D | L |
| Liverpool | D | W | L | W | W |
Head-to-head, all competitions
Matches played 84
Southampton wins 23
Liverpool wins 40
Draws 21
Southampton goals 91
Liverpool goals 130