 St Mary’s goal spree
3 or more goals to be scored in the match @ 6/4 (2.5). Industry best is 21/20. Take the bet at http://goo.gl/VXQlz4
Recent matches between Southampton and Liverpool have a history of goals, so Sunday’s fixture at St Mary’s looks a good bet to produce at least three.
In three of their last four encounters spectators have seen three or more goals fly in and the one occasion that didn’t – in September 2013 – came at Anfield, where Southampton triumphed 1-0.
The corresponding fixture last season – in March – was in the middle of Liverpool’s storming run for the title and produced a 3-0 romp for Brendan Rodgers’ men, with Luis Suarez, Raheem Sterling and Steven Gerrard getting on the scoresheet.
Sterling was also on target in the clubs’ first meeting this season, which again ended in a Liverpool victory – by a 2-1 margin this time, thanks to Daniel Sturridge’s 79th minute winner.
That was the England striker’s last goal before his lengthy injury troubles began, but the 25-year-old has now fully recovered and has been eased back into the Liverpool team via the substitutes’ bench.
He responded with a goal on his comeback against West Ham at the end of January and after being given his first start since his injuries in the thrilling 3-2 home win over Tottenham on February 10, he scored again in last weekend’s 2-1 FA Cup fourth-round victory at Crystal Palace.
With Liverpool having won four of their last five Premier League matches to climb into seventh place, they are now in the sort of form that almost brought them the title last season.
Their resources will be tested this week, though, as they play host to Turkish side Besiktas on Thursday night in the Europa League.
Fourth-placed Southampton, with no game since February 11 after their surprise home defeat to Palace in the FA Cup, will be refreshed and ready to capitalise on any fatigue as they try to step up their bid for a Champions League place.
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