Southampton v Liverpool: Points Vital for Both Sides

Last weekend was a frustrating one for Jurgen Klopp and his Liverpool side as an injury time penalty from Harry Kane sealed a 2-2 draw for Top Four rivals Spurs. Klopp was furious over the penalty decision but he and his side need to stay calm and bounce back when they travel to the South Coast on Sunday.

There they will face a Southampton team who need the points for very different reasons. The Saints secured a vital win at West Brom last time out but despite a strong run of form, they remain just two points off the relegation zone. The game kicks off at 16:30 and is covered live by Sky Sports in the UK so let’s have a look to see what the bookies make of it all.

Match Odds

Not surprisingly, Liverpool are hot favourites despite conceding home advantage and the best price we can find for Klopp’s men is the 5/6 offered by bet365. Victory for Southampton comes in at a top price of 4/1 while the draw is available at a best of 3/1.

Southampton certainly shouldn’t be written off here: Mauricio Pellegrino’s men are unbeaten in their last six games in all competitions and that run has lifted them away from the bottom three. Liverpool have suffered two defeats in that time but the relative strengths of the two squads suggest you have to agree with the bookmakers.

Individual Goal Scorers

 

Before we commit to a result prediction, here are the players on either side who can decide the destiny of this fixture. First goal scorer betting has an obvious favourite with Liverpool’s Mo Salah at a top price of 4/1 with bet365 and Sport Pesa to find the net first.

Liverpool players dominate this particular market with Roberto Firmino next on the list at best odds of 19/4 with Unibet and 888Sport while Sadio Mane follows at 11/2 with most outlets including Betway and Sun Bets.

Liverpool’s midfielders and even their substitutes appear next before Southampton finally get a mention with Shane Long at a best of 8/1 with Unibet and 888Sport. Long has just one goal in 17 Premier League games this season and should probably be avoided while it hasn’t been much better for fellow striker Manolo Gabbiadini who is available at 17/2 with bet365 and Sport Pesa to score first.

One possible long short for the Saints is James Ward-Prowse, a midfielder who has been on target recently and can be claimed at a top price of 12/1 with Boylesports. Ward-Prowse may be a better option for an anytime goal at best odds of 9/2 with BetFred and it’s from this market where we will make our first confirmed tip. Odds of 13/8 with Unibet for Roberto Firmino may not sound great but the Brazilian is due and if it drops in then that still represents a decent profit.

Other Side Bets

As far as the game itself is concerned we are expecting Liverpool to win it but aren’t really interested in their short odds on price. There is a new customer offer from Ladbrokes with an enhanced 33/1 figure for a £1.00 stake but if you already have an account there then we suggest another option.

After an uncertain period and against a Southampton team who have been in good form of late, it could be a tight opening so we’re getting behind a half time / full time result of the draw / Liverpool which is available at a top price of 22/5 with MarathonBet. It may take some time for the Reds to get in full flow but if they start to dominate in the second period, a correct score of 1-3 in favour of Klopp’s men could be a good addition to the betslip at a best of 14/1 with bet365.

Overall, Liverpool should get back to winning ways on Sunday but it could take some time before the Reds find top gear.

Best Bets:

• Roberto Firmino to score anytime at 13/8 with Unibet
• Half Time / Full Time of Draw / Liverpool at 22/5 with MarathonBet
• Correct Score of Southampton 1 Liverpool 3 at 14/1 with bet365