Liverpool vs Southampton: Live score and updates from Anfield
Follow live updates from the Premier League clash at Anfield
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Liverpool host Southampton this weekend and there is no doubt that the stakes are higher for the home side.
- Jürgen Klopp convinced Liverpool can deal with the pressure of Premier League top four battle
- Liverpool in contract talks with Emre Can but Lucas Leiva future is uncertain, reveals Jürgen Klopp
- Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho confident of quick return after picking up injury against Watford
- The Liverpool, Manchester City, Swansea and Hull results that could produce two Premier League playoffs
What time does it start?
The match kicks off at 1.30pm on Sunday 7 May.
Where can I watch it?
It will be shown live on Sky Sports 1, with coverage beginning at 12.30pm.
Preview
One player the Merseysiders will be targeting this summer is Southampton’s Virgil Van Dijk, who will have a host of Champions League clubs chasing him. The Dutchman has been a huge miss for Claude Puel since his foot injury in January, and Liverpool will be hoping to take advantage of his absence when the sides meet.
Philippe Coutinho is expected to hand his side a huge boost by starting the game despite an injury scare against Watford, when he was forced off with a dead leg, while Adam Lallana is likely to start after looking sharp on his return from injury in the same game: an occasion decided by a sublime Emre Can bicycle kick. Southampton have no new injury concerns and it is probable they will field the same team which drew 0-0 with Hull last weekend.
Klopp will be wary of Liverpool’s inconsistent form this season which has seen them excel in games against teams in and around the top of the table, but struggle against those below them. Their defence has been porous at times, conceding just two less goals (42) than mid-table Southampton in the league, which will encourage the likes of Gabbiadini that there are goals up for grabs in this game.
It’s a big game for…
Adam Lallana: His recent absence through injury was noticeable and Liverpool will be expecting the Englishman to push them on to a strong finish to the season. He provides them with much needed versatility in a fluid front three alongside Firmino and Coutinho, and can make the difference in tight games. He looked good when he came on against Watford and will need to produce more of the same against Southampton.
Best stat
Liverpool have not beaten Southampton since December 2015, when they won 6-1 at St Mary’s in the League Cup. However, the Merseyside club have won 47 per cent of the 82 games played between the two sides in all competitions.
Remember when…
Liverpool recorded their biggest victory over Southampton, a 7-1 thrashing in the 1998/99 season at Anfield in which Robbie Fowler scored a hat trick and his 100th goal for the club.
Player to watch...
Oriol Romeu. The ex-Chelsea man has been in excellent form for the Saints this season and is vitally important in his anchoring midfield role. His tackling, interceptions and distribution are his strongest attributes which give his defenders reliable cover and his attackers accurate service.
He will be tasked with thwarting Liverpool’s creative sparks at Anfield and will need to get his job right to give Southampton a chance of keeping their opponents out.
Past three-meetings…
Liverpool 0 Southampton 1
EFL Cup semi-final, January 2017
Southampton 1 Liverpool 0
EFL Cup semi-final, January 2017
Southampton 0 Liverpool 0
Premier League, November 2016
Form
Liverpool: WWWWD
Southampton: DLLWW
Odds
Liverpool to win: 5/9
Southampton to win: 5/1
Draw: 16/5
27 MINS
Southampton start to show some attacking intent, but Matic manages to intercept the final through ball. The Saints have their first corner of the afternoon.
31 MINS
The Reds charge forward with Milner leading the attack, but yet again, the ball goes into the area and it is easily cleared by Stephens. Klopp's side are just struggling to find the final product.
34 MINS
Firmino effortlessly skips past Davis and towards goal, but his shot just lacks power and purpose. It is a lacklustre effort that fails to test the experienced keeper.
37 MINS
Coutinho finds Origi with a lofted pass, who knocks it back to Milner. The Saints quickly shut down the 31-year-old and regained possession. The Liverpool look like they are running out of ideas in the danger zone against the organised back four of Southampton.
40 MINS
Can goes for goal from the edge of the box, but the left-footed strike is easily caught by Forster. The 23-year-old will be hoping to repeat his moment of magic from Monday today, but things need to change if he wants this to happen.
43 MINS
Origi charges menacingly down the left-wing, but within seconds he is surrounded by a sea of Southampton shirts. Romeu comes crashing in and slide tackles the ball out of play.
HALF TIME
The scores are level as we head into the interval here at Anfield, with Liverpool struggling to break through the organised Southampton defence. It has been a repetitive struggle throughout for Klopp's men, with a concoction of lacklustre shots and unimaginative moves going forward proving the problem. The visitors have not shown any menace going forward, but they will be satisfied with a draw here today away from home.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments