Southampton are back in Premier League action this weekend, as they prepare to face Liverpool at St Mary’s on Sunday.
Mauricio Pellegrino’s side held on to take a crucial three points from last weekend’s 3-2 away win at West Brom, which stretches their unbeaten streak to four games.
Liverpool will be desperate to make amends for their controversial 2-2 draw with Tottenham at Anfield a week ago, and get back to winning ways.
In the reverse fixture, Jurgen Klopp’s men ran out 3-0 victors, with Mo Salah grabbing two goals, and now Barcelona winger Philippe Coutinho scoring the other.
Saints will know Liverpool are very strong going forward, with good quality in the final third, so will look to stifle any attacks from the visitors come Sunday.
This occasion also marks the return of former Saint Virgil van Dijk, who makes his first appearance back at St Mary’s since his record-breaking £75m move to Merseyside at the turn of the year.
I take a look at a combined XI for the two sides…
GK - Alex McCarthy
With Liverpool shot-stopper Simon Mignolet never quite seeming to find consistency in his performances, Saints keeper Alex McCarthy takes the number one shirt, as a reward for his very good performances since his call-up to the first-team.
RB - Cedric
Cedric is a complete right-back for me. The Portuguese international can cause problems in attack, yet is solid at the back.
He makes the cut ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has looked promising as of late.
CB - Virgil van Dijk
Van Dijk is the best defender out of both sides. End of.
CB - Wesley Hoedt
Hoedt has been impressive lately, and partners VVD at the back, in a back line that never really got a chance to blossom.
LB - Ryan Bertrand
Ryan Bertrand is another hard worker, who goes up and down the left flank for fun.
His killer crosses cause mayhem for defenders, yet his effectiveness at the back cannot be ignored.
CM - Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Former Saints starlet Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been very consistent since his £35m from Arsenal.
He has adapted very well into his central role, and deserves his place in this team.
CM - Georginio Wijnaldum
Wijnaldum is a very solid midfielder, who very rarely gets the credit he deserves.
Strong in the tackle, aware of the game, the Dutchman pips Hojbjerg to a spot in the side.
CM - Mario Lemina
Lemina has been one of Southampton’s brightest sparks this season, showing quality both going forward and defending.
So he links up with Wijnaldum and Oxlade-Chamberlain in this midfield.
LM - Sadio Mane
Saints fans will know how good Mane is, and the Senegal international will pose a real threat in this game.
RM - Mo Salah
One of the players of the season so far, Salah has been Liverpool’s main man throughout this campaign, and will certainly be at the centre of Liverpool attacks.
ST - Roberto Firmino
Firmino is the final piece of Liverpool’s scintillating front line, who for me, possesses far more quality than any of our strikers.