Brendan Rodgers’ side have been in fine form in front of goal in recent weeks and our tipster is backing the Reds’ in-form English striker to find the net against the Saints

Liverpool claimed a dramatic 4-3 win over Swansea City at Anfield last weekend to keep alive their dream of claiming the Premier League title and Brendan Rodgers’ side will face another stern examination of their credentials when they take on Southampton at St Mary’s on Saturday.

The Reds are chalked up at 21/20 (2.05) to claim another three points against the Saints this weekend while Mauricio Pochettino’s men can be backed at 13/5 (3.60) with the same firm to consolidate their place in the top half of the table with victory over Brendan Rodgers’ side.

Draw backers may be tempted by the 12/5 (3.40) quote on offer from Paddy Power that both sides are forced to settle for a share of the spoils this weekend.

Saints are unbeaten in their last five matches on home soil in all competitions but, with just one win in their last seven Premier League fixtures at St Mary’s, Mauricio Pochettino will know that his side will need to step up their performance levels if they are to halt the high-flying Reds.

Daniel Sturridge has been in sensational form for Brendan Rodgers’ men in recent weeks, having notched 11 goals in his last 10 matches for Liverpool and, with that in mind, the 7/2 (4.50) quote from Paddy Power for the 24-year-old striker to net first is likely to prove popular with punters. The same firm go 4/5 (1.80) that the England striker finds the net at any time on Saturday.

Sturridge notched twice against Swansea last weekend and, given the striker’s rich vein of form, the 16/5 (4.20) on offer from Paddy Power for the former Chelsea man to score at least twice against the Saints is decent value here.

The free-scoring Reds have found the net at least twice in seven of their last eight Premier League matches and could well overrun a Saints side that has managed just one clean sheet in their last eight league fixtures on home soil.

Therefore, the 8/11 (1.73) quote on offer from Paddy Power for Liverpool to score two or more goals, whilst skinny, appears to be a solid selection here.

However, punters should instead back the generous 4/5 (1.80) quote on offer from Paddy Power for the in-form Sturridge to add to his impressive goal tally for the Reds this weekend before he joins Roy Hodgson’s squad for their friendly against Denmark next week.

Sign up for up to £250 in free bets and back Willie’s selection for this match