Southampton Host Liverpool in Battle for Champions League Places
Liverpool head to Southampton today looking to continue their remarkable run of just one defeat in 17 games. Brendan Rodgers’ side took a giant stride towards the last-16 of the Europa League with victory against Besiktas on Thursday, a result which was overshadowed by Mario Balotelli snatching the ball from Jordan Henderson before converting the game-winning penalty. Rodgers has been quick to play down the incident and instead decided to focus on securing another positive result for the Champions League chasing Reds. Ronald Koeman took charge of Southampton in the wake of Liverpool’s summer transfer raid, in which a host of players left St Mary’s and ended up atAnfield. Tipped for relegation by some before the start of the season, Saints have had a fantastic season to date. But the biggest tests are still to come as they target a top-four finish, perhaps at the expense of today’s opponents.
Morgan Schneiderlin and Shane Long are available for Southampton after the pair returned to training on Friday following an adductor injury and fractured ribs respectively. Koeman is confident they will be fit enough to be involved at St Mary’s.
Left-back Matt Targett is back in contention after a head injury, although TobyAlderweireld, Jay Rodriguez, Emmanuel Mayuka and Ryan Bertrand are out.
Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling is pushing for a start at St Mary’s after his successful return from injury in midweek. The England international made his first appearance in three matches after a foot injury as a second-half substitute in the Europa League win over Besiktas. Captain Steven Gerrard misses out again with a hamstring injury.
The Saints have allowed their opponents just 66 shots on target this season; fewer than any other Premier League side.
Liverpool have had 14 different scorers in the Premier League this season; the highest in the division along withArsenal.
Raheem Sterling has scored in both of his last two Premier League games against Southampton. Liverpool are unbeaten in their last nine Barclays Premier League matches (W6 D3). The Reds have now scored 101 Premier League penalties - more than any other side. Southampton have won only one of their last seven home Barclays Premier League matches where the opposition has scored.
Jose Fonte has made more interceptions than any other player in the Premier League this season (71).