Liverpool is set to travel to St. Mary’s on Sunday, aware that their 1-1 draw with Aston Villa at Anfield last weekend ended their slim chances of finishing in the top four. As a result, their match against relegated Southampton at 15:30 GMT on Sunday will be largely ceremonial for both teams.
Relegated Southampton will be looking to the future and what it will take for them to gain promotion back to the Premier League. On the other hand, Tottenham will also be looking for a summer of rebuilding after missing out on a chance to play in the Champions League.
Key Highlights
Southampton Playing for Pride
Ruben Selles and his squad have nothing to play for except pride as they prepare for life in the Championship next season. The team has been well below their usual level of play this season, losing all five of their last five matches. An internal review will take place to assess what caused these losses and what they need to do to gain promotion immediately next season. A win in their final match against Liverpool will help lift spirits and give fans hope for the future.
Liverpool’s Season of Missed Chances
Jurgen Klopp will be regretting that his team did not put in more effort earlier in the season to have a chance at finishing in the top four. While they managed to climb the table to sit in fifth place, the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa last weekend gave their rivals the breathing space needed to qualify for the Champions League. Liverpool will try to end the season on a positive note to set the stage for next season’s Europa League competition.
Injury Report
Southampton
Left-back Juan Larios will be unavailable for the match against Liverpool due to an injury that has kept him out of 31 matches this season.
Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp will be without right-back Calvin Ramsay, defensive midfielder Stefan Bajcetic, and center-forward Darwin Nunez for their match against Southampton due to injury.
Possible Lineups
Southampton
A. McCarthy; K. Walker-Peters, Lyanco, J. Bednarek, J. Bree; R. Lavia; M. Elyounoussi, C. Alcaraz, J. Ward-Prowse, T. Walcott; J. Aribo
Liverpool
Alisson; T. Alexander-Arnold, I. Konate, V. van Dijk, A. Robertson; C. Jones, Fabinho, J. Henderson; M. Salah, C. Gakpo, L. Diaz
Prediction
Southampton will aim to play positively and give their fans something to cheer. Liverpool, on the other hand, will look to dominate the match through midfield and pressing high up the pitch. Liverpool will win the match and close out their season on a high note.
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