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Liverpool vs Southampton: ‘With Stephens we’ll struggle against Mane and Salah’

By Russell Hughes

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Roberto Firmino of Liverpool is challenged by Jack Stephens of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium on February 11, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Roberto Firmino of Liverpool is challenged by Jack Stephens of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium on February 11, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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Liverpool take on Southampton on Friday night and Saints fans have predicted a struggle against Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah if Jack Stephens starts.

Jannik Vestergaard may not be fit for the Premier League game and if he isn’t, some supporters think the side will struggle against the firepower of the Reds.

Because if Vestergaard misses the fixture, Stephens will be brought into the team. And that is what St. Marys doesn’t want. And that’s what could lead to Mane, Roberto Firmino and Salah running riot.

Firmino has been in decent form this season, while Mane is going through the best period of his life. If the Senegal international does well, it’ll only be another nail in the coffin for Southampton – who were so used to seeing the former Bundesliga man score goals for them.

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Salah hasn’t hit the back of the net for eight games now, but that change sooner rather than later and Friday night is an excellent chance to turn around that poor form. Stephens is only 57 games into his Premier League career, after spending so much time on loan, and is learning his craft.

But in the top flight there is very little time to learn, and Liverpool will have to exploit that lack of  experience to grab an important win before the weekend’s games commence.

The Saints have been struggling this season, but under new manager Ralph Hasenhüttl they have been playing a lot better. They are two places and five points above the relegation zone, so will be fighting for their lives.

In other news, Southampton will also be missing Liverpool loan player Danny Ings – who can’t play on Friday as part of his deal. Mario Lemina will also be out through injury, and Lemina has been an important player this season.

Comment from discussion MyoMike’s comment from discussion "Pre-Match Thread: Southampton vs Liverpool".

Next. This is the Liverpool midfield Jurgen Klopp will start at Southampton. dark

So the Saints are weak. They are there for a taking.

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