Liverpool will play their first English Premier League game at Anfield under new manager Jurgen Klopp, who is yet to win as the Reds' manager. Liverpool drew against Tottenham Hotspur (EPL) and Rubin Kazan (champions league) under Klopp. However, the German will be eager to get to his winnings ways when his team takes on Southampton on Sunday.
Both the teams go into Sunday's clash with an identical record - three wins from nine matches with 13 points each. Southampton, who are only ahead by goal difference, lie in the eighth place in the table while Liverpool are in tenth position.
Despite spending big money in the summer transfer window, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers could not bring the best out of his new signings, which prompted the owners to replace the Northern Irishman with Klopp.
Though things look positive in the Merseyside, Liverpool have not been able to hit the ground running as well under Klopp. To be fair, Klopp has not been able to play his best 11 due to injuries, which is unfortunate.
With Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino having come in as second half substitutes against Kazan, the duo are expected to play a huge role under Klopp. However, Daniel Sturridge, their prolific goal-scorer is doubtful against Southampton.
"We have to look at how the players are after a very intensive game," Klopp told reporters. "We'll see what we can do for Sunday," Klopp told reporters.
Klopp is aware of the tough tsk when they face Southampton, who have some great players up front, including Graziano Pelle and Sadio Mane. If these players get any space to exploit Liverpool's defence, expect them to wreak havoc.
"You have to play football if you can, you have to fight for first balls, you have to fight for second balls - that's what they do," said Klopp.
"They want to play if you let them. If not, they have [Graziano] Pelle. It's a good thing to give him the ball because he's very physical and technical, a really good striker.
"They have [Sadio] Mane around him - big speed, a big talent, a really good player. And [Dusan] Tadic on the left wing; I heard he had the most crosses in the Premier League."
Liverpool, who have failed to win after their victory over Aston Villa last month, will be eager to get three points in an expected full crowd at Anfield. Southampton, on the other hand, are unbeaten in their last three games, including a huge win against Chelsea. Hence they will head into this match with full confidence.
With Southampton and Liverpool both having a similar style of playing football – high pressing game – the match could be well decided on which team outwits one another at Anfield.
Where to watch live
Liverpool vs Southampton EPL clash is scheduled for 5:15pm local time (9:45pm IST, 12:15pm ET) start. Indian TV viewers can watch the mega clash on Star Sports 4/HD with live streaming option and Starsports.com.
UK viewers can watch the Liverpool vs Southampton EPL live match on Sky Sports 1/HD with live streaming option on Sky Go.
Viewers in the US can watch Liverpool vs Southampton EPL live match on NBC Sports, while the game can also be live streamed on NBC Live Extra.
Football fans in the African countries can watch the game live on Supersport 5 Africa.
