Saints have big task against Reds says Case (From This is Hampshire)

Saints have big task against Reds says Case

10:34am Thursday 14th March 2013 in Hampshire Sport By Gordon Simpson

Jimmy Case believes Saints will have their hands full this weekend against a Liverpool team that are hitting their best form of the season.

Brendan Rodgers’ resurgent side head to St Mary’s on the back of a three-game winning streak in which they have scored 12 times.

Both clubs have a lot at stake on Saturday, with the Reds attempting to force their way into a European spot, while Saints continue to battle against relegation.

Liverpool’s thrilling 3-2 victory against Spurs last Sunday has further energised the Anfield club, pushing them up to sixth in the table – a season high.

Liverpool and Saints legend Case believes Rodgers’ men will be given a stern test of their credentials at St Mary’s, but he also thinks Mauricio Pochettino’s side are unfortunate to be facing the Merseyside club now.

“I have watched Southampton quite a bit and they have done ever so well so far,” said the 58-year-old, who made 272 appearances for Saints, from 1985 to 1991.

“With Liverpool, though, they have probably caught them at the wrong time.

“I’m not saying Liverpool are definitely going to beat them, but they have picked up a lot lately and there is a lot of confidence there.

“It will probably be a cracking game. I hope it is. But, at the moment, I just think Liverpool are coming into it a little bit stronger.

“It will still be a difficult game for Liverpool, though. “Southampton at home is always a difficult one, and the crowd there are fantastic.”

The Reds’ sizzling attack is spearheaded by the division’s top scorer, Luis Suárez, who has 22 league goals to his name this season, and 29 across all competitions.

While Liverpool were arguably too reliant on him earlier in the campaign, they are now a much more efficient unit according to Case, who won four league titles and three European Cups with the club.