Prediction: Southampton vs Liverpool

Verdict: Sadio Mane to score.

Best odds: 6/4

Bookmaker: Bet365

Southampton welcome Liverpool to the south coast of England as the Premier League season’s grand finale gradually unfolds. Title holders Manchester City have beaten Cardiff City on Wednesday and are now once again one point ahead of Liverpool, which puts the ball back in Liverpool’s court to respond.

Southampton

The Saints are in a good position to avoid relegation, yet not too safe sitting six points above Cardiff who top the danger zone. They will be looking to put a stamp on their survival as soon as possible, and like at the top, every point counts down there as well.

They’ve been on a relatively good form recently, winning three of their last five matches, which includes a 2-1 triumph over Tottenham Hotspur at St. Mary’s. Their two defeats in that stretch were away to Arsenal and Manchester United. They are a very tough team to face when playing at home.

Team News

Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has confirmed that striker Shane Long and defender Jannik Vestergaard are back in training and may feature against Liverpool. Meanwhile, midfielder Mario Lemina misses out due to injury, while forward Danny Ings cannot play against his parent club.

Liverpool

It’s been nearly three decades since the Reds last ruled the league, and they’re now as close to ending that drought as they’ve ever been in that time. They finished runners-up several times, and there is now belief within the camp that they can do one better this time around despite the obvious quality of Manchester City.

Only their city rivals Everton managed to stay undefeated in Liverpool’s last five league outings, which also include a home triumph over Spurs, just like over the relegation-bound Fulham. Those triumphs may have been narrow (both 2-1), but the quality and the persistence of Liverpool in their title bid can hardly be doubted at this point of the season.

Team News

Manager Jurgen Klopp is still without the services of three long-term absentees in midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, defender Joe Gomez and forward Rhian Brewster, but centre-back Virgil van Dijk, who left the Anfield turf on Sunday with an ice-pack strapped to his ankle, has declared himself fit and ready to face his former club.

Conclusion

It is to be expected that the home team will approach the clash with patience and caution. They will do their best to absorb Liverpool’s strong push which will likely begin with the first whistle, and look to exploit any space the visitors may leave open at the back; or any set-pieces in the opposition half.

However, it’s hard to imagine them successfully holding out for 90 minutes. Liverpool have a midfield designed marathon battles, even if they do sometimes lack proper service for their fantastic attacking trio. Mohamed Salah, last season’s record-breaking goalscorer, may be going through a dry spell at the moment, but his mere presence is often enough to draw defenders’ attention enough to give the on-fire Sadio Mane, another former Southampton man, the little space he needs to thrive.

Verdict: Sadio Mane to score.

Best odds: 6/4

Bookmaker: Bet365