Saturday, September 21, 2013

Pochettino Hopes Southampton Can Keep Sturridge Quiet

Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino is hopeful his side can keep an 'awesome' Daniel Sturridge quiet and secure three points against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.

The unbeaten Reds currently sit top of the Premier League table after three wins from their opening four matches, including a victory over old rivals Manchester United.

Sturridge has scored in each of those matches and Pochettino is aware his players must nullify the attacking threat posed by the striker and his team-mate's to get what would be a surprise three points.

"We're very much aware that Sturridge is an awesome threat," he said.

"He started off the season quite well, can change the game on his own, but our main concern is blocking the connections from Steven Gerrard and other midfield players.

"We know Coutinho will probably be out of this game, but we need to take care of that midfield to make sure the balls don't go through to Sturridge.

"It's clear that they are a very powerful side and Anfield is a great stadium to play in.

"It will be a great place to perform, to do well in and actually try to get the three points."

The Saints have fired blanks in their past two matches, with talisman Rickie Lambert still looking to add to his opening day strike at West Brom.

Despite record signing Dani Osvaldo impressing, he is yet to hit the back of net and was denied on more than one occasion during the goalless draw with West Ham last weekend at St Mary's.

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