Liverpool will look to continue their journey on cloud nine as they entertain Mark Hughes’ Southampton at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.
Jurgen Klopp’s men continued their perfect record this season with a thrilling 3-2 Champions League triumph over Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain in Group C.
The Reds, who along with Chelsea have emerged as the Premier League’s early pacesetters, had already notched up five consecutive league victories, including a win at Wembley against Spurs, before their midweek clash against the French giants.
Mark Hughes’ Southampton are next in line to attempt to break Liverpool’s 100% record, but the Saints will need to improve on their defensive showing last time out.
The Saints threw away a 2-0 lead against Brighton on Monday night to emerge with just a point at St Mary’s, but Hughes will hope that his side can rediscover the form that saw them claim a victory against Crystal Palace before the international break.
What time does it start?
Liverpool vs Southampton kicks off at 3pm (BST)
Where can I watch it?
The match will not be shown live on TV or online in the UK.
Independent Sport will keep you up to date with all the goals as they fly in on our live blog.
Highlights will be shown at 10:30pm on BBC One.
It’s a big game for…
Charlie Austin – The former QPR forward struggled for form earlier this season but could be thrust into the limelight to Jurgen Klopp’s men. The Saints are facing a striking crisis with on-loan Liverpool forward Danny Ings ineligible, while Manolo Gabbiadini pulled a hamstring in training during the week, and it may fall upon the 29-year-old to lead the line at Anfield.
Stat…
Three: If Liverpool emerge victorious on Saturday, it will see them start a top-flight campaign with six consecutive wins for only the third time in their history. Liverpool finished in the top two on the two previous occasions, including their title-winning season of 1978/79.
Remember when…
Liverpool may have an impressive recent record against Saturday’s opponents, but their defeat to the Saints at the semi-final stage of the 2017 League Cup left Anfield stunned. Liverpool missed a hatful of chances in both halves to overturn the 1-0 deficit from the first leg, before Shane Long fired in in stoppage time following a Southampton break to send them to their first final in the competition since 1979. https://www.youtube.com/
Player to watch…
Roberto Firmino – The Brazilian suffered an indifferent start to the season in front of goal but winners against Spurs and Paris Saint-Germain in the Reds’ two most recent fixtures have dismissed any such goalscoring concerns. The former Hoffenheim man was on target in Liverpool’s last encounter with The Saints, and he’ll hope to extend his current scoring run with another here.
Past three-meetings…
Southampton 0 Liverpool 2 (Firmino, Salah), Premier League, February 2018
Liverpool 3 (Salah x2, Coutinho) Southampton 0, Premier League, November 2017
Liverpool 0 Southampton 0, Premier League, May 2017
Form guide…
LIVERPOOL: WWWWWW
SOUTHAMPTON: DLLWWD
Odds…
Liverpool to win: 2/11
Southampton to win: 15/1
Draw: 13/2
