MY ACCOUNT
– Southampton have the worst home record in the Premier League
– Liverpool have won their last three away games
– Recommended bet: Liverpool to win and over 3.5 goals
Neither Southampton nor Liverpool have got what they wanted from the 2022-23 Premier League season, but the Reds head to the south coast as the clear favourites.
Saints have battled relegation throughout the campaign and, having had their demotion confirmed a fortnight ago, plans are already afoot for their rebuild, with Russell Martin expected to be appointed as their new manager.
Ruben Selles will remain in the dugout for their final day outing against the Reds, who have had to settle for a Europa League place for next season and who are set to wave goodbye to several stalwarts.
They were disappointing in last Saturday’s 1-1 home draw against Aston Villa and Manchester United’s 4-1 win over Chelsea on Thursday means they can no longer qualify for the Champions League.
However, with a summer rebuild on the cards, Jurgen Klopp will be keen to ensure his team head into their holidays on an upbeat note.
Team news
Juan Larios (unknown), Mohammed Salisu (hip), Romain Perraud (ankle) and Armel Bella-Kotchap (hamstring) miss out for Saints, as does Che Adams (ankle). Fellow striker Paul Onuachu is also a doubt with a back problem.
Selles also says that Tino Livramento, who returned for the final 13 minutes of last Sunday’s 3-1 defeat to Brighton after recovering from a long-term knee injury, is also likely to get minutes, albeit again from the bench.
For Liverpool, Darwin Nunez, who scored a brace in a reverse game, is set to return after missing the last two matches with a toe issue, while Ibrahima Konate (illness) and Andrew Robertson (groin) are doubts.
Roberto Firmino, who scored his side’s goal against Villa, and James Milner are expected to get minutes in their final games for the club
The stats
Southampton have the worst home record in this season’s Premier League, winning just two of their 18 games and scoring a joint-worst 15 goals in the process.
They have failed to win their last 12 games and have beaten Liverpool once in the league at home since 2016.
The Reds won November’s reverse game 3-1 and also took last season’s edition of this season 2-1 at St Mary’s and have won the pair’s last four Premier League meetings.
Klopp’s side have also shown some good recent form, remaining unbeaten in their last 10 outings, while they have won their last three.
They have all come against sides in the relegation mix, beating Leeds United 6-1, West Ham 2-1 and Leicester City 3-0.
Prediction
Southampton’s dire form provides little suggestion that they are going to end the season with a bang.
The rare quality performers in the Saints’ squad are already being linked with moves elsewhere and the feeling is that even some of their more faithful stars are preparing to wave goodbye.
Liverpool are also set to bid farewell to several players and have more motivation to end an underwhelming season on a positive note.
Klopp’s team were frustrated by the Villans last Saturday, but still have momentum and will not be intimidated by their closing trip to Hampshire.
With Southampton having conceded three or more against Manchester City, Tottenham, Brighton and Newcastle, the Reds could run riot.
Back Liverpool to win and over 3.5 goals at 17/10 with LiveScore Bet.
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