Liverpool FC vs Southampton FC: Match Preview

Match Preview

 STARTING LINEUPS

BEFORE THE GAME

Today's league tie could see ex-Saints Rickie Lambert and Dejan Lovren debut in Liverpool jerseys, but other Merseyside signings Markovic and Lallana won't be used in this game.

Agger and Flanagan are also unavailable due to knee problems.

For Southampton, new coach Koeman is set to use his latest purchase, GK Fraser Forster.

Other new Saints such as Long, Tadic, Bertrand and Taider may also be seen in the game.

PREVIEW

After Liverpool took away half of Southampton's team this last summer, the Saints are probably looking to begin a new age in their history and frankly, so are the Merseysiders - the post-Suarez era.

It will certainly be difficult, though not impossible, as the Reds try to replace his 31 goals and his mighty psychological presence which led them to 26 PL victories in 2013-2014.

Now, they're back, hungry for the title, but it remains to be seen if they can take down other Premier League giants


Meanwhile, Southampton are looking to get a good start under new boss Ronald Koeman. This is his coaching debut in English football, and we have learned that it can be difficult to adapt to its conditions (see: Louis Van Gaal).

Their expectations have to be kept realistic, though, because the team has changed so much since last season. They (last season's team) were actually one of the only two teams to win at the epic Anfield, but a repeat is not expected by anybody bar most-hardcore Saints supporters.

WEBMASTER'S PREDICTION: I am somewhat biased, being a long-time Liverpool fan, and I remain confident that my team will grab the 3 points in this season opener. 2-0.