With December upon us and a chill in the air the fixtures start to come thick and fast and it is imperative to get on a good run or risk being left behind in the standings.
The Wednesday night defeat to Tottenham Hotspur ended a succession of eight-matches without defeat for Liverpool but with a home game against relegation-threatened Southampton tomorrow afternoon the club should be confident of bouncing back straightaway.
12th place and a meagre total of 16 points from 14 games is scant reward for some impressive displays this term but with the league so tight a couple of back-to-back wins could see the Reds into the top six.
As for the visitors they are on a decent run of their own; unbeaten in four and with two of those victories. Nigel Adkins' side could conceivably get themselves out of the bottom three this weekend.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers speaking at his pre-match press conference: "It will be a tough game. Nigel has done a terrific job - he's like a lot of British managers who have had to earn the right to come into the Barclays Premier League through a promotion.
"In the last few games, they have had good results. They are a team that like to play and pass and they'll come with freedom. But like the Wigan game, our expectancy and objective is to win the game."
Merseyside-born Southampton boss Nigel Adkins as quoted by the BBC: "It's a dream to play at Anfield and manage there so it's a game I'll look forward to from a personal point of view.
"But I look forward to every game to be honest with you."
Liverpool welcome back popular Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva this weekend for the first time since August. The 25-year-old, sidelined through a thigh injury, returned to full training a fortnight ago and turned out for the Reds' U21s against Middlesbrough last Friday. It is doubtful he'll be risked from the start but his presence provides a welcome option for Rodgers who also has Joe Cole back after the former England international missed the trip to Spurs. Selection wise it is unlikely Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson will be handed third consecutive league starts after both struggled in midweek and were ultimately substituted. 19-year-old defender Andre Wisdom is expected to return to the starting line-up after a minor knee problem meaning the only regular players that remain absent are Martin Kelly (cruciate ligament) and Fabio Borini (broken foot).
Possible line-up
Reina, Wisdom, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson, Allen, Sahin, Gerrard, Enrique, Sterling, Suarez.
Although not the type of player who will win a game on his own, Lucas' return will provide a boost to both the squad and to the fans who hold the player in such high esteem. His leadership qualities have improved over the years and so has his all-round ability. The Brazilian's story is an advert for hard-work and dedication after his initial appearances were met with complete indignation by the majority of Reds supporters. Several years on and after growing into the team, Lucas' absence for the majority of the last year through injury has been keenly felt and made many people connected with the club appreciate him even more. A dependable player who never shies away from the ball Lucas also has the important knack of reading the game well. When fully fit, Lucas could easily force 15m summer capture Joe Allen out of the side unless Rodgers decides to play both. Unlikely to start this particular fixture however.
The Saints have had a few injury problems in recent weeks but Adkins finally appears to be nearing a fully fit squad to choose from. Only Richard Chaplow (thigh) and Frazer Richardson (hip) remain doubtful whilst Daniel Fox is expected to be available following a knee problem. After picking up 8 points from the last four fixtures it is unlikely we will see any changes however. The main question mark is over 20-year-old goalkeeper Paolo Gazzaniga after the Argentine made another costly error against Newcastle United on Wednesday night. Adkins has given the shot stopper his backing but with ex-Celtic keeper Artur Boruc and the experienced Kelvin Davies waiting in the wings the temptation to change might prove too much. Rumoured one-time Liverpool target Gaston Ramirez is likely to continue in the hole behind lone striker Ricky Lambert in a 4-4-1-1 formation which can become a 4-2-3-1 with further attacking support offered by Jason Puncheon and captain Adam Lallana.
Possible line-up
Gazzaniga, Clyne, Fonte, Yoshida, Shaw, Schneiderlin, Davis, Puncheon, Lallana, Ramirez, Lambert.
Lallana has been phenomenal thus far this season and leads the Saints by example with his committed and energetic displays. The midfielder, who's fine form was recently rewarded with a full England call up, has great technique, an eye for a pass and also carries an additional goal threat. A lot of Southampton's play goes through the 24-year-old so it's important for Liverpool midfielders to keep a close eye on him throughout the game.
Liverpool and Southampton have met 93 times in their respective histories and the Reds hold the upper hand with 46 wins to the Saints' 25 and 22 draws. Liverpool have scored a total of 138 goals compared to a tally of 98 for Southampton.
Surprisingly Southampton have been victorious in 3 of their previous 4 league meetings with Liverpool although they've not met since 2005 due to the Saints' absence from the top flight.
Liverpool have the worst shooting accuracy in the Premier League this season (37%) whereas Southampton have been involved in more goals than any other side (52: For 21 - Against 31).
Liverpool's tally of 16 points from 14 games is their worse at this stage of a season, if you apply three points for a win, since 1964-65 when they had a record of W4 D3 L7 .
Liverpool have benefitted from the most own goals this season (3) while Southampton have scored the joint-most (also 3).
27-year-old Northumberland based referee Michael Oliver is the man appointed to officiate this encounter. The Premier League's youngest ever referee has shown 31 yellow and 1 red card in his 14 games this season. Oliver is yet to take charge of either side in the league but did officiate Liverpool's League Cup victory over West Bromwich Albion back in September. Oliver will be assisted by S Long and C Breakspear. The third official is Lee Mason.
I cannot see us losing but it wouldn't be the biggest shock in the world if the reinvigorated Saints manage to get a draw like so many others have at Anfield this calendar year. That said, and despite the defeat in midweek, Liverpool should really be far too strong for the visitors with their lack of fire power offset by Southampton's leaky rearguard. Vital Liverpool predicts a 3-1 LFC victory.
Liverpool - Europa League vs. Udinese at the Stadio Friuli on Thursday 6th December 2012, kick off 6.00pm.
Sourhampton - Premier League vs. Reading at St Mary's on Saturday 8th December 2012, kick off 3.00pm.
So that's what we think, how about you? Let us know your thoughts and predictions for the game below or vote in our poll to the right...
Click here to read former Red Mark Lawrenson's prediction
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