Two clubs chasing the 2014-15 Premier League title will do battle today in a league match between Liverpool and Southampton. The first-division clash scheduled for 8:30 a.m. ET will be held at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool and can be live streamed here free. Additional TV coverage can be found on NBC Sports.
Though Liverpool have spent the summer transfer window pillaging Southampton's roster, with Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert leading the way, it's one of their own that will be heavily relied upon this season. For manager Brendan Rodgers, Raheem Sterling's ability is ready to reach new heights.
"Something we said to Raheem when he first broke into the team and something we've reiterated, is that you have to have an identity as a player," Rodgers said (via the Guardian). "The identity he has is to score goals and create goals. That's what the job is. He scored 10 goals last year and this kid is only going to get better. When you're so young, it's important to understand exactly what your role is, not just look good. You have to be efficient and effective. His development has gone to a new level. He's way above the level from when he first came in."
"Tactically, technically and what has been beautiful to watch with Raheem has been his maturity," he added. "He's turning into a beautiful young man, with all the responsibility. He's taking it all in his stride and now he's in a good place with every part of his game. It's just about maintaining that commitment to his work. He's still only 19, but in big games he's performed and he's a wonderful talent."
Liverpool will need another strong performance from their youngster to kickstart the season with a victory.
Tactical Preview
Player to Watch: One of the Southampton players projected to face his former side is center-back Dejan Lovren. The 25-year-old made 31 appearances for the club last season, averaging 7.7 clearances and 2.7 interceptions per match.
Liverpool's Projected Lineup (4-3-3): Mignolet; Johnson, Lovren, Skrtel, Manquillo; Can, Gerrard, Henderson; Sterling, Sturridge, Coutinho
Southampton's Projected Lineup (4-3-3): Forster; Bertrand, Yoshida, Fonte, Clyne; Cork, Wanyama, Taider; Tadic, Pelle, Davis
Note: Credit all statistics to officially licensed data from Opta Sports (statistics and lineups via WhoScored).
Standings
| Rnk | Team | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | +/- | Pts | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | |||
| 1 | Swansea City | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | |||
| 3 | Aston Villa | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | |||
| 3 | Hull City | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | |||
| 3 | Tottenham Hotspur | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | |||
| 6 | Everton | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | |||
| 6 | Leicester City | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | |||
| 6 | Sunderland | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | |||
| 6 | West Bromwich Albion | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | |||
| 10 | Burnley | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| 10 | Chelsea | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| 10 | Liverpool | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| 10 | Manchester City | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| 10 | Newcastle United | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| 10 | Southampton | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| 16 | Crystal Palace | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 0 | |||
| 16 | Manchester United | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 0 | |||
| 18 | Queens Park Rangers | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 | |||
| 18 | Stoke City | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 | |||
| 18 | West Ham United | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
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