Jurgen Klopp
Jurgen Klopp is still searching for his first win as Liverpool boss Reuters

Liverpool host Southampton on Sunday, 25 October to mark Jurgen Klopp's first Premier league game in charge at Anfield. The Reds come into the fixture having drawn their last game against Rubin Kazan in the Europa League and need a solid performance against the Saints to keep themselves in contention for a place in the top four.

Where to watch live

Kick-off is set for 4.15pm BST. Live coverage of the game will be on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 1 HD.

Overview

Liverpool will have high expectations from Jurgen Klopp after the German took over at Anfield, following the departure of Brendan Rodgers. The former Borussia Dortmund man has not been able to register a single win so far, and needs to start delivering results, if he has to warm up to the Anfield faithful. The 1-1 draw against Tottenham was encouraging in the sense that he managed to show a glimpse of the style of football he will advocate in the league.

The high pressing brand of football is likely to require a few more games to set right, but they need results right now, or fear, opening up a considerable gap between themselves and the teams at the top four. However, they have been solid defensively thus far, conceding only 10 goals and keeping four clean sheets, the fifth best in the division.

Their main problem, has been their profligacy up front, where they have managed to score only eight goals, something which is not going to get any easier given their injury record.

Meanwhile, Southampton are level on points with Liverpool on 18, but have a better goal difference, which has kept them above the Reds on the league table. Their 2-2 draw against Leicester City will be frustrating as they had taken a 2-0 lead, but failed to contain Jamie Vardy, who scored a brace to bring Leicester back into contention.

Their 3-1 win over Chelsea before the international break remains their high point of the season and Ronald Koeman will be confident that his team have the capability to pull one over anyone in the league.

What managers say

Jurgen Klopp: "Christian and Roberto had two training sessions with the team and usually that is too early to bring them into a situation where you need them, but they did well. They were not at the best level they can play, but they did well. Now we are a step further with them. Christian was unlucky when he hit the post and Roberto got better and better in the game – the first two situations were not so good, but then he was in. They are two new options – very important options – for Sunday."

Ronald Koeman: "I was surprised by Liverpool's first 30 minutes against Tottenham. It was a different level in the aspect of good, high pressing. Against Rubin Kazan was different, but it takes time to put over everything you want as a new manager. New managers bring new details to the team. Maybe there will be a change in the system and some players will have the chance to show their qualities. But it isn't easy to see a big difference in one or two weeks. He should expect that every weekend is very intensive. You don't have a lot of difference between the clubs and you have to be good to win the game. You can lose against everybody or win against everybody."

Betting odds (888Sport)

  • Liverpool win: 20/19
  • Draw: 13/5
  • Southampton win: 37/13

Team News

Liverpool

Possible XI: Mignolet, Clyne, Skrtel, Sakho, Moreno, Lucas, Can, Milner, Lallana, Ibe, Coutinho.

Southampton

Possible XI: Davis, Yoshida, Fonte, Van Dijk, Bertrand, Clasie, Davis, Mane, Ward-Prowse, Tadic, Pelle.

Liverpool FC