EPL: Liverpool v Southampton preview

Liverpool v Southampton preview

Liverpool will be looking to protect their unbeaten home record this season against Southampton on Saturday.

Only Manchester City (16), Manchester United and Arsenal (both 15) have taken more points at home this season than Liverpool, who beat Huddersfield 3-0 in their last game at Anfield in the Premier League.

Mauricio Pellegrino has endured an underwhelming start to life at Southampton, recording three wins, four draws and four defeats, scoring just nine goals in that period.

Despite the negative numbers, Saints have had the fifth most shots and created the fifth most chances this season, but have had the most shots off target.

 

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has a virtually fully-fit squad to select from for the visit of Southampton.

Adam Lallana is fit again after a three-month layoff with a thigh injury while fellow midfielder Jordan Henderson has recovered from a similar problem which forced him to miss their last Premier League match and England's two friendlies.

 

Forward Sadio Mane has trained after reporting a slight hamstring problem on his return from international duty and Klopp will make a late decision on his availability.

Mario Lemina is set to be Southampton's only absentee.

The former Juventus midfielder remains sidelined with an ankle injury which has kept him out of the last two matches.

Northern Ireland's Steven Davis, Republic of Ireland's Shane Long and Italy's Manolo Gabbiadini are all available despite failing to qualify for next summer's World Cup.