As the race for the top four intensifies with each passing week, we get to see a shift in the teams’ positions every now and then. With a mouthwatering fixture featuring all reds this weekend, Liverpool will hope to catch up on rivals Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham by grabbing a crucial win against 4th placed Southampton. It has been a strong campaign so far for the Saints who have uppercut above their weight especially when we consider the mass summer exodus of their best players. Here are the three key battles between the players of each team, in what promises to be a match full of attacking intent.
Morgan Schneiderlin vs. Jordan Henderson
As Liverpool’s legendary skipper Gerrard will not play this game due to a hamstring injury, we would see Henderson deputized as captain once again. While there have been doubts about how good a leader Henderson is, he has certainly proved himself to be a player worthy to be a regular figure in a side like Liverpool. He would be up against one of the most consistent enforcers of the Premier League in the form of dynamic Frenchman Morgan Schneiderlin.
Schneiderlin provides the engine and defensive quality in the holding midfield role that has helped Southampton to have a balanced midfield throughout their campaign. The French International is always on his toes with key interceptions and regular tackles to break down opposition build-ups. As Henderson is the one who provides the tempo for the Reds, he would need to ensure that he can control the game and neutralize the Frenchman’s dominance in midfield with the help of his passing skills.
Click on the next button to continue