Image source: Liverpool fc
Introduction
This weekend, all eyes will be on Liverpool’s talisman Mohamed Salah as he edges closer to breaking another remarkable record in his illustrious Reds career. Salah’s quest to surpass Robbie Fowler’s Premier League goal scoring tally against Southampton promises to be a thrilling subplot when Liverpool visits St Mary’s on Sunday.
Salah’s Record-Breaking Quest
Mohamed Salah’s record against Southampton is impressive. With seven goals in 11 Premier League appearances, the Egyptian King sits just one strike behind Robbie Fowler, who netted eight goals against the Saints during the Premier League era. Should Salah find the back of the net, he will either equal or surpass Fowler’s mark, cementing his status as one of Liverpool’s greatest ever forwards.
Salah’s Chance to Rewrite History
Mohamed Salah’s pursuit of Robbie Fowler’s record adds an electrifying dimension to Sunday’s clash. With seven goals in 11 Premier League matches against Southampton, Salah is just one shy of Fowler’s eight-goal haul in the era. A goal at St Mary’s could see Salah match or even surpass Fowler’s milestone, further cementing his legacy. Additionally, Salah is just two goals away from 100 away goals for Liverpool in all competitions.
Liverpool’s Dominance Over Southampton
Liverpool has enjoyed a dominant spell against Southampton in recent years. The Reds have won 10 of their last 12 league meetings with the Saints, scoring an impressive 32 goals while conceding just nine. However, Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium has not been a fortress for Liverpool in terms of clean sheets. The Reds have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five league visits to the venue. It’s an area that manager Arne Slot will be keen to address as his side looks to maintain their unbeaten away record this season.
Aiming for a Milestone Victory
This weekend’s clash also presents Liverpool with the opportunity to achieve their 50th league victory over Southampton. The milestone highlights the historic superiority Liverpool holds in this fixture and offers additional motivation for the team to perform at their best. Additionally, Liverpool’s unbeaten away record this season is their longest streak without a loss away from home since the 1987-88 campaign. If they extend this streak on Sunday, it will further emphasize the resilience and consistency Arne Slot has brought to the team.
The Saints’ Struggles and Home Form
Southampton has had a challenging start to their Premier League campaign, securing just four points from their opening games. Interestingly, all these points have come at St Mary’s, where they held Ipswich Town to a 1-1 draw and edged out Everton with a narrow 1-0 victory. Russell Martin’s team has shown flashes of resilience, but they will need to produce a near-perfect performance to halt a high-flying Liverpool side.
Key Figures in the Encounter
Virgil van Dijk: Returning to Familiar Grounds
Liverpool’s defensive leader, Virgil van Dijk, will return to his former stomping ground at St Mary’s. The Dutchman played 80 times for Southampton between 2015 and 2018, scoring seven goals. While his focus will be on securing a clean sheet for the Reds, the occasion is sure to stir memories of his formative years in the Premier League.
Adam Lallana: Former Red Turned Saint
Southampton midfielder Adam Lallana will be another familiar face for Liverpool fans. Lallana, who spent six years at Anfield from 2014 to 2020, played 178 games and scored 22 goals for the Reds. Now a key player for the Saints, Lallana’s experience and guile will be crucial for Southampton in trying to disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm.
Russell Martin: A Manager with a Reds Connection
Southampton manager Russell Martin has his own unique connection to Liverpool. As a player, Martin scored against the Reds while representing Norwich City in a 1-1 draw at Anfield in September 2015. Now as a manager, Martin faces the daunting task of outmaneuvering Arne Slot’s well-drilled Liverpool side.
Liverpool’s Key to Victory: Scoring First
Under Arne Slot, Liverpool has developed a remarkable ability to capitalize on early advantages. The Reds have won all eight of their Premier League games this season when scoring the first goal. In all competitions, they boast a perfect record of 12 wins from 12 matches when opening the scoring. Starting strongly will be critical for Liverpool as they aim to take control of the game early and put Southampton on the back foot.
The Bigger Picture for Liverpool
Beyond individual records and milestones, Sunday’s game represents another opportunity for Liverpool to maintain momentum in their pursuit of domestic and European success. The team’s ability to remain unbeaten away from home thus far this season speaks volumes about their mental toughness and tactical discipline. With the Premier League title race already shaping up to be fiercely competitive, every point matters. A victory against Southampton would ensure Liverpool continues to keep pace with their rivals.
Conclusion
Liverpool’s visit to Southampton promises to be an intriguing contest with plenty of subplots. From Mohamed Salah’s chase for Robbie Fowler’s record to the Reds’ quest for their 50th league victory over the Saints, there is no shortage of drama. Southampton, though struggling, will look to their home form and experienced players like Adam Lallana to provide resistance. However, Liverpool’s quality, combined with their impressive record this season, makes them strong favorites to emerge victorious.
Will Salah add another chapter to his storied Liverpool career by breaking Fowler’s record? Can the Reds maintain their unbeaten away record and register a clean sheet at St Mary’s? All will be revealed on Sunday in what promises to be an exciting Premier League encounter.
🔴Find the Latest News on Player Ratings | Transfers | Prematch | Postmatch
Thank you for your continued support, and let’s cheer Liverpool on to success in the upcoming match. Your thoughts are always welcome in the comments section. For further insights, you may explore the official Liverpool FC website by clicking here.
YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com