Prediction & odds for the game: Southampton (15/4) v Liverpool (8/13) – ST is backing the away win

When: Monday, 4th January @ 8pm K.O

Where: St. Mary’s Stadium

Liverpool’s title push takes them down to the south coast as they prepare to take on one of the most exciting teams in the league this season, Southampton.

Southampton

While their position in the league table may not suggest it, Southampton are more than good enough to beat just about anyone else in the top flight of English football. They’ve had a few injury problems to deal with, especially with regards to star striker Danny Ings, but their ability to persevere simply cannot be understated. They’re going to be a real problem for Liverpool to deal with and pundits need to recognise that.

Wins over Brighton and Sheffield United reaffirmed Southampton’s position as top six contenders but ever since then, they haven’t quite been hitting the heights we’ve come to expect of them. They were disappointed to only draw against Arsenal, they were edged out in a competitive game by Manchester City, and they engaged in two somewhat dull 0-0s against Fulham and West Ham.

Liverpool

The speed bumps that Liverpool Football Club have faced so far this season haven’t thrown them off the scent of winning a second straight league title, and if anything, it’s spurred them on. They possess all the potential in the world to do some serious damage in the Premier League, but injuries and complacency appear to have harmed them in the last few weeks. Whether or not that trend will continue between now and May is anyone’s guess.

The Reds have turned into draw specialists in the month of December with games against Midtjylland, Fulham and West Brom ending 1-1 before a drab 0-0 against Newcastle. In all four of those encounters they probably should’ve done a whole lot better in their execution in front of goal, but against Tottenham and Crystal Palace, they had no such issues in 2-1 and 7-0 wins.

Conclusion

While some feel as if this is going to be the toughest test Liverpool have had in quite some time, we’d say this style of game is going to suit them perfectly. Southampton aren’t afraid to come out and really go for it and when the Reds come face to face with a team like that, they tend to flourish. We’re backing them to engage in one of the most entertaining games of the campaign thus far with the Saints, and in the end, they’ll be the ones walking away with all three points.

Our official scoreline prediction is going to be 2-0 Liverpool, meaning we stick with the under 2.5 goals bracket.

Verdict: Back the away win at odds of 8/13 and the under 2.5 goals scored at odds of 6/5 (All odds are taken from bet365).

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If you want to bet on Southampton vs Liverpool then head on over to the betting page. Alternatively, you can check out some of the other available fixtures at the soccer predictions page as we approach the always decisive month of January.