Southampton vs Liverpool Prediction & Betting Tips - Premier League

Prediction published on 01/01/2021, 12:04  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 01/01/2021 at 13:05 in Premier League Predictions

Southampton ended 2020 in ninth place in the Premier League but only behind fifth on goal difference. They have the toughest possible start to the new year when hosting league leaders Liverpool. The Saints ended the year with a run of four games without a victory. Three of those matches were drawn with the other being a 1-0 home loss to Manchester City. They have failed to score in their last three games and not even the return of Danny Ings from injury has got them back on the scoresheet. Their last two league games have both ended goalless. If they are to challenge for a European place, then they need to do better than that against sides such as Fulham and West Ham United. Home form has seen Southampton win only one of their last four league fixtures and that was against Sheffield United. Their last three home league games against Liverpool have all ended in defeat.

Liverpool top the table but must feel their lead should be more than the three they ended 2020 with. They have only lost one league game this season, that appalling 7-2 loss at Aston Villa. Since then, they have gone 12 league matches without defeat but six have them have been drawn. Failing to beat in particular; Newcastle, Fulham, West Brom and Brighton (the last three all in the bottom four) just isn't good enough for a team of their quality. They should have beaten Newcastle in their last game and would have done but for some wasteful finishing and a good display by Darlow in goal for their opponents. Liverpool go to a Southampton side that isn't quite firing on all cylinders at present and can come away with an away win.