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Match preview
The Nathan Jones era at Southampton begins.
Last Sunday, the Saints were demolished 4-1 by Newcastle, and this proved to be Ralph Hasenhüttl’s final game in charge.
Then, on Wednesday night, led by Rubén Sellés, they edged past Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup.
After a 1-1 draw, it went to penalties, with Southampton sneaking through 6-5 in the shootout.
The following morning, Nathan Jones was announced as Southampton’s new boss, following two outstanding spells in charge of Luton Town.
Of course, Jones will have five weeks without a game after this, be this’ll certainly be a baptism of fire to welcome him to the Premier League.
Jürgen Klopp’s team continue to be incredibly inconsistent, winning just three of eight league matches since the start of September.
These victories, bizarrely, have come against the teams who finished first, fourth and seventh last season.
Last Sunday, the Reds won on the road for the first time in the league, thanks to Mohamed Salah’s first half brace at Tottenham.
Then, in mid-week, Klopp made 11 changes, as his team were held to a goalless draw by Derby County in the League Cup.
So, it went to a penalty shootout, with Caoimhín Kelleher the hero, saving three spot-kicks, as Liverpool snuck through.
Back in the Premier League, will the Reds avoid back-to-back Premier League home defeats, in front of fans, for the first time since September 2012?
Liverpool team news
As mentioned, Jürgen Klopp gave youth a chance on Wednesday, with Calvin Ramsay, Stefan Bajcetic, Bobby Clark, Layton Stewart and Melkamu Frauendorf, amongst others, getting a start.
The big guns will be back for this one, although Naby Keïta, Diogo Jota and Luis Díaz are all sidelined.
So, Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Darwin Núñez continuing to lead the line.
At the back, Ibrahima Konaté has seeming usurped Joël Matip as Virgil van Dijk’s partner.
Southampton team news
Given that this is Nathan Jones’ first game in charge, the XI is difficult to predict.
At right-back, with Kyle Walker-Peters and Tino Livramento injured, Juan Larios could keep his place.
Fit again Armel Bella-Kotchap will start at centre-back, buoyant after being included in Germany’s World Cup squad.
Ché Adams has scored the winner in both of Saints’ away victories this season.
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