Sunday sees backside host prime within the Premier League, however do Southampton followers have any religion in sealing a shock win over Liverpool?
After a two-week break, the Reds are again in motion this weekend, trying to proceed their near-perfect begin to the season.
Southampton welcome Arne Slot‘s aspect to St Mary’s on Sunday afternoon, with the hosts having solely gained as soon as within the league in 2024/25.
Forward of kickoff, This Is Anfield spoke with Southampton fan and author Luke Osman (@lukeosman_) to debate Russell Martin’s future, Slot’s impression at Liverpool and extra.
How glad are you with Southampton’s season so far?
It’s laborious to say it’s been something apart from brutal.
Southampton have had one of many ‘simpler’ runs of fixtures to begin the season off and we’ve been largely fairly dire.
We’re restricted going ahead, leaking defensively regardless of good particular person performances again there, and are too gradual between the packing containers.
We’re the place we need to be, regardless of some questionable refereeing alongside the best way, and it’s wanting bleak.
What has Martin bought proper and unsuitable again within the Premier League?
I’d say one thing Russell Martin has bought proper is giving Tyler Dibling ample alternative within the Premier League.
He’s an 18-year-old academy graduate and he’s a star – he’s one in all our greatest gamers already and this has been a breakthrough season for him.
Aside from that, I wouldn’t say Martin’s bought a lot else proper.
The ways have been naive at finest, and you’ll forgive that given he’s new to the league, however there’s no willingness to adapt nor admit that it’s not labored, which is why so many followers have understandably turned on him.
4 factors from a attainable 33 isn’t acceptable at any time, not to mention when you think about we’ve performed Leicester, Everton, Ipswich and Wolves already, with three being at house.
Is it time for a change of supervisor?
I believe so. There was a component of fortune in our solely win of the season towards Everton, and to be frank, it’s laborious to see the place one other win comes from.
It’s simple to say now with a big portion of the season forward, however I believe Derby’s factors file could possibly be beneath menace!
My view is that we’re one hundred pc down with Martin in cost, such is his perception – and conceitedness, fairly merely – that no adaptation is critical.
But when we twist and go for brand new blood, there’s on the very least some hope that we don’t succumb to humiliation each single week, which has been the case to date.
Who’ve been Saints’ finest gamers? Who has struggled?
Dibling’s been nice. Mateus Fernandes has checked out house within the Premier League since his transfer from Sporting in the summertime, and Aaron Ramsdale is a category act.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis was properly price his England call-up, too.
By way of those that has struggled, I must say nearly all of the attacking gamers.
Cameron Archer’s accomplished properly with restricted service, however the likes of Ryan Fraser, Maxwel Cornet and Ben Brereton Diaz have been fairly horrible.
What are your ideas on Arne Slot to date?
Arne Slot looks like a category act.
I believe Liverpool are higher to observe this season than their ultimate couple of years beneath Jurgen Klopp.
Slot is getting a tune out of gamers who had beforehand been a bit inconsistent like Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo.
He has surpassed my expectations for certain.
How do you assess Liverpool’s title possibilities?
They’re positively contenders. I give them extra of an opportunity than Arsenal, because the desk suggests, which I wouldn’t have predicted in the beginning of the season.
I nonetheless suppose Man Metropolis will pull by way of as their key males return, although, however that does hinge on Erling Haaland staying match and sharp.
He’s already wanting a bit jaded.
I reckon Metropolis edge it, however it will likely be shut between them and Liverpool.
The place will the important thing battles happen on Sunday?
I don’t actually suppose now we have a hope of competing anyplace on the pitch, actually.
I wish to see Dibling go at Andy Robertson however that’s provided that Martin decides to begin him, which he hasn’t within the final couple of video games.
Liverpool ought to have pleasure in all places, and with Alex McCarthy possible in for Ramsdale, and Jan Bednarek additionally out, they may have numerous possibilities to attain.
Lastly, what’s your prediction?
I’ll go together with a considerably reserved Southampton 0-3 Liverpool. If you happen to fancy it, you can simply flip it right into a pummelling.
I believe after the worldwide break and with Actual Madrid and Metropolis arising for them, they’ll go a few targets forward and take their foot off the fuel a bit.
