tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33779660.post9197065621484636120..comments2023-12-22T01:47:49.178-05:00Comments on oh you beauty: Liverpool at Southampton 02.21.15natehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10043601945557998732noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33779660.post-38915603164439631522015-02-21T14:15:51.984-05:002015-02-21T14:15:51.984-05:00No doubt, this is a hugely important match in our ...No doubt, this is a hugely important match in our chase to finish in the top 4. A win puts us on 45 points and immediately within striking distance, 1 point behind Saints, 2 points behind United, 3 points behind Arsenal, with Spurs on 43 points before their West Ham home match.<br /><br />Southampton have by far the best defense in the league conceding only 17 goals in their 25 matches. The last 6 league games they have conceded just 3 times. The one goal they conceded at home against Swansea on Feb 1, neither Wanyama nor Schneiderlin were in the team.<br /><br />Combine the factors of us struggling somewhat in front of goal, Sturridge looking a bit off form and fitness as he works his way back, having played a Europa league game 3 days ago and both Wanyama and Schneiderlin back with Saints having the best defense in the league and it seems pretty obvious our biggest challenge tomorrow will be to score.<br /><br />Step up Mario Balotelli. Expect him to be a big influence in the game, probably in the 2nd half, despite Rodgers recent inane comments about Mario having stopped working after the 85th minute penalty and stood on the side of the football field. I actually replayed the final 8 minutes of the Besiktas match and Mario works his ass off all over the pitch. Defensively and offensively. It's never a good idea to channel the junior psychologist and challenge a player by making critical statements that are patently untrue. Mario will rise above it as he has done his entire career. Of course it will be more important what BR has said and done in practice over the last few days than one silly comment in a presser.<br /><br />Will be interesting to see how Lallana plays in his first return to St. Mary's and the reaction he receives from the fans. Hope and expect him to have a big game.<br /><br />Lovren may get a game in order to move Can to midfield to battle Wanyama. Chance of a start but I'm guessing that DL will maybe be saved for a 2nd half sub for Allen.<br /><br />3 points. Need all of them tomorrow.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com