LIVERPOOL currently sit a massive 15 points behind leaders Arsenal in a lowly eighth place in the Premier League and a World Cup send-off win against Southampton on Saturday is utterly imperative.
Southampton will be under new management after they swooped to land Luton Town manager Nathan Jones following the sacking of Ralph Hasenhuttl.
Saints currently sit in the relegation zone after a run of one win in nine games saw the St Mary's board act. But as introductions go, they don't come much tougher than this.
Jurgen Klopp's side's struggles have been well documented this season, but they looked far more like the Liverpool of old when they went to London in their last league match and collected an impressive three points with a vital win at Spurs.
Previously to that, they lost at home to Leeds United and any kind of slip-up here is unimaginable for a Liverpool side who realistically now look to aim for a Champions League spot instead of a title fight.
Of Southampton's three league wins this season, two of them have been away from Hampshire at Leicester City and at Bournemouth, but this is on a different level.
How the bookies view it
Liverpool are odds-on favourites as you would expect at 1/4 with Coral and they will be acca material.
Southampton can be backed at 11/1 with William Hill and the draw is 11/2 with bet365.
Recent head to heads
Liverpool thumped Southampton 4-0 at Anfield last season and completed the double with a 2-1 win at St Mary's.
The hosts have won the last five meetings at Anfield between the teams without even conceding a goal.
Players to watch
Mo Salah has recaptured his brilliant form recently and looks to be back to being almost unplayable at his best. The 19/20 on offer from William Hill for him to score isn't the worst when you consider the likes of Erling Haaland would probably be around 1/3 in a similar game.
Scotland striker Che Adams has scored five goals for the Saints this season and looks more likely to score than any of his teammates. He is 11/2 to do just that with William Hill.
Anything else catch the eye?
There were plenty of signs Liverpool were back to something approaching their best last week and can make this an uncomfortable baptism of fire for Jones.
Newcastle United and Manchester City have both put four past them and there were signs goals could soon flow for the hosts too last week at Spurs. Take Liverpool to score over 2.5 team goals at 4/5 with bet365.
Southampton may get a new manager bounce eventually but it's unlikely to be here and Paddy Power's 7/4 on the hosts minus two goals could get a run for its money.
This English Premier League match between Liverpool and Southampton will be played on Nov 12, 2022 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Liverpool vs Southampton prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
