Liverpool vs Southampton Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man + Prediction

Liverpool kick off their Premier League campaign when they welcome Southampton to Anfield on Sunday afternoon.

Brendan Rodgers side pushed Manchester City all the way last season before narrowly missing out on the title, so the Merseysiders will be hoping to go one better this time around.

It’s been a busy summer at Anfield with Rodgers bringing in seven new signings following the departure of star striker Luis Suarez – who was sold to Barcelona last month after hitting 31 goals last season.

No doubt it’s a huge blow for the Reds to lose the controversial hitman, but Rodgers is confident he now has far more depth in his squad which he hopes will make up for the loss of the Uruguayan.

Coincidentally, three of Liverpool’s new additions came from Sunday’s opponents with Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Dejan Lovren all swapping St Mary’s for Anfield in recent weeks.

Ronald Koeman’s team will be virtually unrecognisable from the side that Mauricio Pochettino guided to an eighth-place finish last year, with several of their key men leaving for pastures new this summer.

Koeman has brought in his replacements and is adamant no more players will be leaving before the window slams shut, but he’s got a tough task to get his new-look team to gel for their opener against Liverpool tomorrow.

Team News

Adam Lallana won’t be able to feature against his former side after being ruled out with a knee injury, but Lovren and Lambert could both make their competitive debut’s against the Saints.

Rodgers is without big-money signing Lazar Markovic as he’s been ruled out with an ankle knock but he should be available again next weekend.

Daniel Agger is also missing with a calf problem while Jon Flanagan is out with a knee injury, so Javier Manquillo is expected to start at right back with Glen Johnson on the left.

Southampton are expected to hand debuts to Shane Long and Fraser Forster, while Ryan Bertrand should take his place at left-back after completing his move from Chelsea.

Jay Rodriguez is out with a serious knee injury so new signing Pelle could spearhead the attack, but Morgan Schneiderlin isn’t likely to play as he’s lacking match fitness.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Daniel Sturridge: With Suarez gone all eyes will be on Sturridge to step up and become the teams focal point in attack.

Predicted Score

Liverpool 3-0 Southampton: It’s going to take Southampton time to gel and I can see Liverpool easing to victory tomorrow.

What team would you like to see start and what’s your predicted score? Share your views below.