Southampton are trying to secure a place in the top four of the Premier League table, while Liverpool aim to keep clawing closer to the much-coveted position.
As the end of the season slowly approaches and the race for the top four places in the Premier League heats up, this match between Southampton and Liverpool is worthy of significant scrutiny. Especially in light of Manchester United's loss on Saturday, this game is of great importance to both teams.
Southampton can, with a win, pull in to third place with 49 points and better secure themselves for the time being in the face for England's Champions League qualification places. Liverpool, who have been red-hot since the new year, would climb to 45 points with a win, bringing them to just three points behind Arsenal in third. For how miserable the Anfield club's start to the season was, their recovery of late has been quite remarkable.
Key player - Emre Can (Liverpool)
Trained as a central midfielder, Can has been impressing as a makeshift wide center back in Liverpool's three man back line for the last seven weeks. With Lucas Leiva and Steven Gerrard out injured, however, Can may be pressed back in to midfield duty as Liverpool's most defensive man in the middle with Jordan Henderson flagging a bit in energy and Joe Allen not always up to the task. No matter where he plays, Can will be vital to Liverpool's successes in this match -- or their failures if he doesn't perform up to expectations.
Key Matchup - Jose Fonte (Southampton) vs. Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool)
Since his return to health, Sturridge has been tearing England up, scoring twice in six appearances, serving up an assist and mostly playing at a very high level that's allowed Liverpool's attack to function more smoothly and effectively than it has at virtually any point this season while he was out injured. The man who will be asked to keep him in check will be Southampton's captain and defensive stalwart Jose Fonte, who has struggled with forwards with Sturrdige's athleticism this season. With Toby Alderweireld out, though, Fonte is the best chance that Southampton
Southampton injuries and suspensions
Out: Toby Alderweireld (hamstring), Ryan Bertrand (suspended), Jay Rodriguez (knee), Sam Gallagher (knee), Emmanuel Mayuka (groin) In doubt: Morgan Schneiderlin (groin), Shane Long (rib fracture), Lloyd Isgrove (knock), Matt Targett (concussion)
Liverpool injuries and suspensions
Out: Steven Gerrard (hamstring), Lucas Leiva (groin), Brad Jones (thigh), Jon Flanagan (knee), Jose Enrique (knee) In doubt: none
Match Date/Time: Sunday, 11:15 a.m. ET, 4:15 p.m. local
Venue: St. Mary's Stadium, Southampton, England
TV: NBCSN (U.S. - English), Telemundo (U.S. - Spanish), TSN2 (Canada), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), Sky GO (U.K.)
from SBNation.com - All Posts http://ift.tt/1DGiE5E
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