Liverpool will be hoping to keep their slim Champions League qualification hopes alive when they welcome Southampton to Anfield on Saturday evening.
Jurgen Klopp's men are currently sitting in seventh position in the Premier League table, seven points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, albeit with a game in hand over Thomas Tuchel's men.
The Reds will come into this encounter well-rested after last weekend's clash against Manchester United was postponed due to protests, and they'll be looking to extend their five-game unbeaten run in the league.
Despite the improved performances in recent weeks, Liverpool will still be ruing the missed opportunities against Leeds United and Newcastle United in their last two encounters after late equalisers saw the reigning English champions held to consecutive draws.
After going an incredible 68 games without losing at home in the Premier League, the Merseyside outfit have only managed to pick up six points from the last 30 available at Anfield while on domestic duties, and Klopp will know that record has to improve if his side are to stand any chance of reaching next season's elite European cup competition.
For once, Klopp has no new injury concerns coming into this crucial clash against the Saints. Alisson Becker is set to take up his usual spot between the sticks, with Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold occupying the full-back positions.
Nat Phillips has returned to full fitness following a hamstring injury and is expected to slot back into the heart of defence alongside January addition Ozan Kabak.
The 24-year-old's presence should see Fabinho return to his holding role at the base of the midfield, where the Brazil international will be charged with shielding the defensive unit.
Klopp's toughest decision may be whether he sticks with an attacking quartet of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah, or reintroduces an extra midfielder for stability.
After the disappointing result against the Magpies last time out, though, the enigmatic German manager may feel it's sensible to revert back to his favoured 4-3-3 formation.
That should mean a midfield made up of Thiago and Georginio Wijnaldum either side of Fabinho behind his tried and trusted attacking trio; Mane, Firmino and Salah.
Liverpool predicted XI against Southampton
