Liverpool FC make the journey south to take on what has essentially been their “farm club” in recent years, Southampton FC. Several Saints have moved up to Anfield in recent years, with one in particular, the world’s most expensive defender Virgil van Dijk, a top storyline heading into this one.
Jurgen Klopp had been sweating on the Dutchman’s fitness for this match, as he picked up a knock in the thrilling win over Tottenham last weekend. However, Klopp just confirmed earlier today that VVD will be fit and available for this match, having trained with the rest of the squad.
His availability definitely alters the predictive landscape of this fixture. If you’re going to be betting on this game with a William Hill promo code, the odds there show Liverpool as substantial favorites, with win prices set at 42/100. The odds for stalemate are currently at 18/5 whilst the underdog Saints are backed at 7/1. You’ll find similar prices at most other sports books.
Tech titan and search engine monopolist Google has a match result prediction app, and it paints a picture reflective of what the bookies say. Google shows a Liverpool win at 67% probability, a draw at 21%, with the likelihood of an Eagles win computed to be 12%. The form guide for both sides looks like this: Liverpool WWWDW Southampton WWLWL. Kickoff is Friday April 3 at the St. Mary’s Stadium, 8pm.
Beyond Van Dijk, the Reds have two other fitness concerns– central defender Joe Gomez, who is back in training after having recovered from a broken ankle, and former Southampton man Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is getting closer to return from a knee ligament tear.
Both are nearing full match fitness, but this contest comes too soon for either of them. The Liverpool starting XI prediction can be found at this link.
In shifting to the hosts, striker Shane Long is a doubtful while midfielder Mario Lemina has returned to training and could be in contention Friday night. Top scorer Danny Ings is ineligible to face his former club meaning the south coasters might have some struggles in the final third.
Finally, Jannik Vestergaard and Michael Obafemi are both out long term with muscular injuries.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, regularly appears as a guest pundit on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
He also contributes sociopolitical essays to Chicago Now. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram. The content of his cat’s Instagram account is unquestionably superior to his.