Leaders Liverpool in for a tough Saints test

LIVERPOOL failed to attain for the primary time in 22 Premier League matches once they had been held to a scoreless draw at Newcastle in midweek.

Again-to-back attracts in opposition to WBA and Newcastle have seen Liverpool’s lead atop the desk lowered to a few factors, with rivals and second-placed Manchester United boasting a sport in hand.

If Man Utd win in opposition to Aston Villa (early this morning), then Man Utd will stage with Liverpool in factors with the Reds forward solely on aim distinction.

Joel Matip’s harm is the most recent blow for Liverpool because the Cameroon worldwide is dealing with round three weeks on the sidelines as a result of a groin harm sustained in opposition to WBA.

With Klopp having misplaced Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez to doubtlessly season-ending knee accidents, Matip has shaped a worthwhile partnership with the versatile Fabinho on the again.

Up entrance, the Reds’ entrance three of Mo Salah, Roberto Firminho and Sadio Mane have been extraordinarily subdued and never been at their rampaging greatest.

The Premier League’s main scorer Salah appears to be like shorn of his taking pictures boots as he has missed evident possibilities in his facet’s final two fixtures.

Although they bossed the possession in each their latest fixtures, Liverpool had been as soon as once more held by a facet who sat deep and appeared to play on the break.

And the frustration appears to be increase for Klopp, with Matip’s harm an enormous blow to the crew.

On the plus facet, the long-awaited return of star midfielder Thiago Alcantara has introduced loads of cheer.

Thiago got here off the bench in his first look since October in Liverpool’s draw at Newcastle and appears set to play an even bigger half at St Mary’s on Monday.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Southampton are win-less in 4 league video games and haven’t scored of their previous three video games so they are going to be keen to seek out their goalscoring contact once more, particularly with essential striker Danny Ings again within the line-up.

Tottenham welcome free-scoring Leeds to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London and shall be seeking to get again to successful methods.

Jose Mourinho’s facet had a much-needed break in midweek after their league fixture in opposition to Fulham was postponed due to an outbreak of Covid-19 on the Cottagers.

Tottenham haven’t gained within the league since Dec 6 once they beat Arsenal 2-0, having drawn with Crystal Palace and Wolves and shedding to each Leicester and Liverpool.

Leeds are on a excessive after whipping WBA 5-0 in midweek and Marcelo Bielsa will as soon as once more carry his all-out assault mindset and go for objectives.

Mourinho loves opposing groups to assault his facet and this appears to be like set to play into Mourinho’s fingers as he appears to be like to get again to successful methods.

New WBA boss Sam Allardyce has an enormous job on his fingers as he tries to steer his facet from the relegation battle and after being dismantled 5-0 at house by Leeds on Wednesday, he must instil confidence in his gamers.

They did get a reputable draw at Anfield final Sunday, albeit fortuitously, however something lower than a outcome in opposition to the Gunners will see the strain rise on the Hawthorns.

Mikel Arteta’s Gunners are slowly shifting up the desk after two wins on the trot in opposition to Chelsea and Brighton. They are going to be seeking to make it three wins in a row and with the children enjoying nicely and confidence up once more, this appears to be like like full factors for Arteta’s facet.