Game Week 12 Predictions: Liverpool to beat Sotton silly

Southampton vs. Liverpool preview: Injury updates, form analysis, and predictions as the Reds aim to extend their lead at the top of the League.

Liverpool is primed to beat Southampton at St. Mary's on Sunday but, by how many goals? (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

Southampton vs. Liverpool.

St. Mary’s Stadium

3:00 pm

Liverpool must be rejoicing over what transpired at the Etihad on Saturday; their nemesis unleashed the apocalypse on Manchester City, and they are eager to seize the opportunity.

The Kops can go eight points clear ahead of next week's fixture against the champions. If there’s any game they need to win to end all speculations or doubts around their title credentials, this is it, and they must see it through.

Southampton has nothing to cling on to for this match other than pride; they must have viewed it as a free hit, given their lackluster form. The question isn't whether they would lose to Liverpool, but rather by how many goals.

With only four points from eleven games, Southampton is at the bottom of the table. With surrounding teams picking up points, Southampton is the clear favorite to drop, and as things stand, there's nothing stopping their downward spiral.

The trio of Arsenal, Chelsea, and Brighton all won on Saturday, temporarily closing the gap on the log leaders to six points. It makes it important for Liverpool to restore their cushion ahead of tough fixtures, including the one at Anfield next weekend.

The Saints face overwhelming odds in this fixture; first-choice goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is out due to a finger injury, and Gavin Bazunu hasn't played this season due to a calf injury he sustained last season.

Flynn Downes is suffering from an injury, while Jan Bednarek is also out. With Taylor Harwood-Bellis, the latest 3Lions star, set to partner Jack Stevens in defense, Russell Martin is likely to switch to a four-man lineup.

Alisson Becker is back in goal but might be allowed to sit this one out with Caoimhín Kelleher doing a great job in his absence. Trent Alexander-Arnold is unavailable for this one due to a hamstring problem, but Harvey Elliott is back in training.

Curtis Jones is arguably the best midfielder in the Premier League right now; his form is incredible, and he would be the one to watch yet again when Liverpool faces Southampton. The goal of the hosts would be to limit damages; how far can they go?

Verdict: A straight win for Liverpool