Liverpool are fifth in the Premier League table ahead of Sunday’s final day. The Reds can finish now lower nor higher than fifth place this season, after Brighton failed to win three of their last five matches.
The Anfielders have qualified for the Europa League for next season. Following Man United’s win on Thursday against Chelsea, the Reds cannot qualify for next season’s Champions League.
On a difficult afternoon, thank you for your fantastic support.It never goes unnoticed ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ozpZ0M4pTW— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) May 21, 2023
On a difficult afternoon, thank you for your fantastic support.It never goes unnoticed ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ozpZ0M4pTW
On Sunday, the Reds will make the long journey to the south coast to play Southampton at St Mary’s. Southampton will play in the Championship next season after suffering relegation from the Premier League.
It will be a bittersweet day for the Saints and their fans. A terrible season will finally come to an end. The club will hope to take a big scalp before the season finishes, however.
Liverpool won their last four matches against Southampton in all competitions. The Reds claimed a 3-1 win at Anfield earlier in the campaign. Roberto Firmino opened the scoring, but Liverpool were pegged back by Che Adams in the ninth minute.
A Darwin Nunez double put Liverpool in control just before halftime. Liverpool dominated the game with 60% possession and 15 shots. However, the Liverpool defence did concede five shots on target.
Jurgen Klopp could rotate the side for the visit to Southampton. Liverpool are unbeaten in 10 straight Premier League games. They will finish the season strongly. However, had the Reds been able to string a few more wins together in the first half of the campaign, they would finish in the top four.
Liverpool picked up 16 points from the last 18 points on offer. Last weekend’s 1-1 draw was a disappointing result, as they tried to chase down Manchester United for fourth place. Liverpool outscored their last six opponents 12-5.
Southampton are at the bottom of the Premier League form table, with one point from the last six games. The Saints were outscored 16-8 across the six games.
Southampton allowed the third-most goals in the league this season (69). They also scored the second-fewest goals with 32. Liverpool have the third-most goals in the league with 71. Unfortunately, the defence has been a letdown with 43 goals allowed.
Klopp continues to be without Naby Keita, Stefan Bacjetic, Thiago, and Calvin Ramsay. Nunez is a major doubt following a foot injury.
Southampton are due to be without Romain Perraud and Armel Bella-Kotchap. Che Adams is unlikely to play due to a calf injury. Mohamed Salisu and Juan Larios are also ruled out for Southampton.
Liverpool should post an easy win on the final day of the season, 3-0, at St Mary’s. The Reds have won four straight games against Southampton. A win on Sunday will make it five straight wins.