Even Southampton followers count on a Liverpool win as the edges meet throughout a dismal season for the Saints, that has left them bereft of moments to rejoice.
The Reds host their bottom-of-the-table opponents managed by Ivan Juric, figuring out that victory will ship them 16 factors away from Arsenal, albeit quickly.
On paper it seems to be like Liverpool’s best recreation of the season, however any complacency should be prevented by Arne Slot‘s facet.
Forward of the sport, we spoke to Southampton fan and author Luke Osman (@lukeosman_) to debate a troublesome season, the important thing battles on Saturday and extra.
Simply how unhealthy has this Southampton season been?
It has been worse than anybody anticipated, for positive.
I don’t suppose predicting Southampton to complete twentieth would have been an unpopular opinion within the slightest, however to be on observe to be the worst ever Premier League crew in historical past is sort of one thing.
It’s laborious to place into phrases fairly how dismal it’s been.
For Russell Martin to have received one recreation in 16, and for us to have then changed him with a supervisor who has been simply as unhealthy, if not worse, speaks volumes.
What precisely has gone so unsuitable?
It has simply been an ideal storm; complacent recruitment, naive ways, no targets, a leaky defence and a crew that lacks a spine.
The checklist actually does go on.
Which people have carried out poorly?
It’s laborious to select gamers who’ve been notably poor.
Lots haven’t managed the step up and many have fallen effectively beneath expectations.
Ben Brereton Diaz was notably poor previous to his mortgage departure in January, whereas Jack Stephens has let the crew down on a few events with senseless purple playing cards at key moments.
Mateus Fernandes and Aaron Ramsdale have been largely respectable, and Tyler Dibling is a large expertise with actual promise.
There’s not been a lot past that, although.
Are you assured of coming straight again up subsequent season?
It’s laborious to say definitively, given we’re unclear as to who the supervisor can be, how we are going to recruit and what issues will seem like in six months’ time.
However I don’t belief this possession and this board to get the footballing selections proper, and I believe the distinct chance of being a part of the worst crew in Premier League historical past may very well be fairly damaging for a number of years.
I wouldn’t say I’m assured of going again up instantly, however we could have among the best squads within the league, given the spending energy and ever-growing hole between the divisions.
How impressed have you ever been with Liverpool & who has caught the attention most?
Actually impressed. Liverpool can be worthy winners of the Premier League they usually’ve been actually good to look at.
Mohamed Salah‘s the apparent one, however I all the time suppose how good Alexis Mac Allister is after I watch Liverpool play.
He simply does every thing so effectively and so cleverly, even with regards to the darkish arts with tactical fouls whenever you want them.
There’s not been a weak hyperlink for Liverpool, however these two I’ve loved watching essentially the most.
What’s your favorite and worst Anfield reminiscence?
My favorite is Shane Lengthy scoring within the final minute at Anfield to verify our place within the 2017 League Cup ultimate.
We had been main 1-0 on mixture anyway, however that aim on the counter-attack to ship us to Wembley for a significant ultimate for the primary time in 14 years will proceed to reside lengthy within the reminiscence.
By way of a worst reminiscence, we haven’t had many notably surprising days at Anfield – we would simply be due one – however I might say our 3-0 loss in November 2017 below Mauricio Pellegrino.
It wasn’t essentially the most consequential consequence, however being stood in that away finish, it felt like a little bit of a turning level.
We had been a steady, top-half facet difficult for Europe within the few seasons prior, however seeing us flip up at Anfield and look hapless and like relegation fodder felt fairly damning.
We narrowly prevented relegation that season, however that was fairly a bleak afternoon.
The place will the important thing battles happen on Saturday?
Underneath Juric, our large centre-backs are tasked with a man-marking job on the opposition’s large gamers. I’m unsure that may go effectively towards Salah, given his power, motion and velocity.
It’ll seemingly be Taylor Harwood-Bellis or Joe Aribo up towards him, however whoever it’s, they are going to be frolicked to dry and depart loads of house in behind.
What’s your prediction?
I believe it may very well be something Liverpool need it to be, however it is going to be a really perfect time for them to maintain their constructive momentum going whereas additionally sustaining freshness between the PSG video games.
I believe it is going to be a comfortable 4-0 win for the Reds.
