It's gonna be an odd weekend in EPL land. Coming off last weekend's break (was it an International Break? An FA cup break? A UEFA Champions League break? Who the f*ck knows...) the Prems are back with a bunch of basically consequence-less matches and....
LIVERPOOL v.
SOUTHAMPTON....which is sure to be a cracker. Why??
- The league table implications in this game are fairly significant, moreso than almost any other game this week. SOU sit 4th and LIV sit 7th. A few bad or mediocre games in succession, and Liverpool could find it a real struggle to get back up to Champions League level (4th or above). Missing the Champions League would be a big blow for the club. On the other hand, Southampton finishing in the top four would be almost akin to them winnin the league, considering they were relegated just three seasons ago. They've got something to prove: namely that they have what it takes to stay in the top tier of the table. Beating a resurgent Liverpool would be a big, big statement.
- Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is back from injury and kicking ass. Between Sturridge, Raheem Sterling, and Mario Balotelli (though I'm kind of done waiting on that train), they seem to have gotten their mojo back in the offensive third. They're going to be relentless on Sunday. I look for them to put in at least two goals maybe more.
- Southampton's no joke up front either. Between Stefan Schniederlin, Graziano Pelle, Shane Long and Dusan Tadic (if they're playing him) they've got a seasoned, but young and aggressive attack that does not take No for an answer and does not back down from a fight. They also have the potential to pound a few into the onion sack, or at least keep Liverpool back on their heels for much of the game.
- Between the two, I favor Liverpool in this one. There's nothing like momentum. Southampton do have the home field advantage, but I don't think that's enough to halt Liverpool. I'm looking for 3-1 win by the Scousers.
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