Liverpool have the opportunity to claim another worthy scalp to add to the 3-2 victory they earned over Tottenham in the last round of the Premier League. However, Ronald Koeman will be bringing the league’s best defence to Anfield.
Comparatively, Southampton have only conceded 17 goals in 25 league games, whereas Spurs have conceded 34. Southampton will be much more challenging to score against for a side that is only beginning to find attacking confidence.
And key to the attacking confidence of Liverpool is talisman Daniel Sturridge, who is at last returning to form after a long injury layoff. Crucially, Sturridge is not just important for his goal scoring, as he proved when he contributed two assists in the win over Spurs.
Sturridge was a big part of why Luis Suárez was prolific last season, as the England striker was willing to play wide of the Uruguayan and make dangerous runs to draw defenders out of position. Sturridge is the complete striker when he is fit.
Expectations
Daniel Sturridge only played 71 minutes against Spurs and then 78 against Crystal Palace in the fifth round of the FA Cup. Although he is coming back to fitness, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers still has to be a little bit cautious in his use of Sturridge. Therefore, it would be surprising to seem him play all of this game.
Southampton entirely deserve their defensive record, but one that they don’t is their attacking record. Despite scoring 38 goals in 25 games, the figure is clearly inflated by the Saints’ 8-0 hammering of Sunderland in October. And their goal scoring struggles were obvious in the recent 0-0 home draw against 10-men West Ham.
Ronald Koeman’s 4-3-3 formation favours a conservative midfield trio that is not highly creative. Consequently, the once in-form Graziano Pellè has not scored in eight league games. Southampton’s goal struggles could continue here.
Match Tips
Tip one: Under 2.5 goals, best odds 1.80 @ Ladbrokes
Tip two: Draw, best odds 3.40 @ Ladbrokes
Tip three: Draw and under 2.5 goals, best odds 2.6 @ Ladbrokes
Click here to get best odds at ladbrokes and get £25 Free
Koeman knows how to avoid defeat. Combine a draw with under 2.5 goals for dramatically increased odds for this matchup.
