Top VS Bottom as Southampton host Liverpool in the Premier League

Table-toppers Liverpool are back in action this weekend against struggling Southampton and both sides will desperately need a positive result in the first game back from the international break. 

As boring as it can be, the international break did have some good moments for The Reds. Curtis Jones who has been a standout performer in recent weeks, finally made his debut for England and capped off his display with a brilliant goal against Greece. Another player who is having a standout season so far is Ibrahima Konate which earned him the French armband for the first time in their 2-1 victory against Italy. Finally Andy Robertson helped Scotland qualify for the Nations League Play-offs as he scored a 93rd minute winner against Poland. 

However with the next international break not occurring until March, it is crucial that Liverpool continue their good run of form into the new year to maintain their status at the top of the table. 

Next up is Southampton who sit 20th in the table on four points therefore a win is crucial if they want to kick-start their survival hopes. Liverpool are on the opposite end of the table and will hope to further their five point gap from Man City. 

The Reds will travel down to Saint Mary's in high spirits considering that they have won five of their last six meetings with Southampton. Arne Slot's side have also won four league games in a row and only been defeated once in 11 games. 

The stats do not bode well for The Saints who have the lowest goals scored and the fewest shots on target therefore this looks to be a huge challenge for Russell Martin's side as Liverpool have only conceded six goals in the league so far. 

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been ruled out as he continues to treat his hamstring issue and Diogo Jota will also miss out as he recovers from an injury picked up against Chelsea. Federico Chiesa and Harvey Elliott have made positive strides towards their recovery dates but are still likely to be unavailable for Arne Slot. 

Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was forced to withdraw from England duty after an injury to his finger, and he remains out ahead of Southampton's clash with Liverpool.

The game kicks-off at 2pm on Sunday and is live on Sky Sports.