Liverpool vs Southampton – Match Preview and Team News
This Saturday afternoon sees a clash of contrasting fortunes at Anfield, as Liverpool, the league leaders, welcome bottom-of-the-table Southampton. The Reds, buoyed by a crucial 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, are looking to maintain their momentum. Meanwhile, Southampton are in dire straits, desperately needing points to stave off relegation.
Form and Recent Performances
Liverpool’s recent form has been steady, with a sequence of one draw and four wins, culminating in their hard-fought victory over PSG. Goalkeeper Alisson was the hero, making nine saves to keep a clean sheet. Harvey Elliott, introduced off the bench, scored the decisive goal within a minute of his debut, showcasing the depth and quality of Liverpool’s squad. This match, however, is sandwiched between two pivotal fixtures—PSG’s visit to Anfield on Tuesday and the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle on Sunday. Manager Arne Slot must strike a delicate balance between maintaining form and preserving his players for the upcoming challenges.
Southampton, on the other hand, are reeling with one win and four losses in their recent matches. They have lost nine out of their last ten league games and have conceded 11 goals in their last three. The stakes are incredibly high, with 13 points separating them from safety. The possibility of surpassing Derby County’s record for the fewest points in a Premier League season (11 points in 2007/08) looms large. The majority of Saints fans have already resigned themselves to a return to the Championship, but the club will fight until the end.
Team News and Potential Lineups
For Liverpool, Cody Gakpo, who did not train on Thursday, is unlikely to be risked ahead of the PSG tie. Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez are still recovering from muscular issues and remain sidelined. Despite these absences, the Reds have a strong squad, and Arne Slot can field a competitive team. The predicted lineup includes Alisson in goal, Alexander-Arnold and Tsimikas at full-back, Quansah and Van Dijk in defense, and a midfield trio of Endo, Gravenberch, and Jones. Up front, Salah, Diaz, and Nunez will look to continue their impressive form.
Southampton, under Ivan Juric, have almost a full squad available, with James Bree the only notable absentee. Jan Bednarek, Kyle Walker-Peters, and Adam Lallana have all returned from their minor injuries. Lallana, who enjoyed a successful stint at Liverpool, will be determined to help his former club avoid relegation. The predicted lineup features Ramsdale in goal, Walker-Peters and Harwood-Bellis at the back, Manning and Bednarek in defense, Aribo and Downes in midfield, and Dibling, Onuachu, and Sulemana in attack.
Last Meeting
The last encounter between these two sides was in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on December 18, 2024, which Liverpool won 2-1. Nunez and Harvey Elliott both found the net in the first half, putting the visitors two goals up. However, Southampton fought back, with Cameron Archer scoring a late goal to reignite the tie. Despite their best efforts, Southampton could not complete the comeback, and Liverpool advanced to the next round.
Match Day Details
Kick-Off and Match Officials
The match at Anfield kicks off at 15:00 GMT on Saturday, March 8, 2025. Lewis Smith will be the referee, assisted by Mat Wilkes and Marc Perry, with Tony Harrington as the fourth official. Matt Donohue will manage the VAR, assisted by Derek Eaton.
Television and Betting Odds
Liverpool vs Southampton will not be televised in the United Kingdom due to the traditional 3pm blackout. However, international viewers can find broadcast details for their region here. The betting odds strongly favor Liverpool, with odds of 1/8 for a home win, 8/1 for a draw, and 18/1 for a Southampton victory.
Conclusion
As Liverpool and Southampton prepare to face each other at Anfield, the contrast in their situations is stark. The Reds are on a high after their Champions League triumph and have the depth to navigate a busy schedule. Southampton, meanwhile, are fighting for their Premier League survival and will need a monumental effort to secure a positive result. Regardless of the outcome, this match promises to be a pivotal moment in both teams’ seasons.
