Saints chances of a result at Anfield on Saturday will be dependent on the injury news from both camps, Liverpool as well as Southampton.

Saints will be looking to continue their recent good form against Liverpool, in the past two seasons we have met them seven times and only been defeated once, however the direction of the game could depend on the injury news from both camps.

From a Saints perspective the key will be if MarioLemina is fit to return from injury that means that he hasnt played sice our win over West Brom four weeks ago, although with the International break that has mean't only two matches missed.

At the time it was said that he should be ready to return to action after the International break and with that now over we wait with anticipation and our fingers crossed that he will be fit to return at Anfield.

From our perspective he will be a key man, in a game that will undoubtably see us on the back foot and needing his skills to break up Liverpool's passing game in front of our back four.

Liverpool however have far more injury issues than us, the main one being whether Sadio Mane will be fit.

The ex Saint returned to the Liverpool side after injury against West Ham a fortnight ago after a month out, but he has pulled a hamstring and he will is doubtful for the game at Anfield on Saturday, even if he does play there will be a question mark over whether he will damage it again and Jurgen Klopp could be hesitant to use him in this game as it could put him out for a longer period.

Another former Saints old boy is Adam Lallana who has not kicked a ball in anger so far this season, however he did play in a closed doors friendly on Monday and how he has come through that may mean he could play some part on Saturday, however that would be a risk, but one that Klopp may have to take, at least by putting him on the bench if Sadio Mane is unfit.

The key player will be Phillipe Couthinho, like Mane he has been missing for the last month, but returned to action last night for Brazil at Wembley where he completed 68 minutes before coming off.

Again it will be a case of assessing his fitness and reaction to the game last night, however Klopp could be reticent about starting him so soon after a month out and his outing for Brazil.

So for Saints it will be a case of wait and see the news from both camps, however it has to be said that the return of Lenmina will be crucial to our chances and if the aforementioned Liverpool trio do fail to pass muster, at least to start the game it will be a help.

Photo: Action Images

ericofarabia added 10:53 - Nov 15 Don't forget VVD's late pulled muscle or Stomach Bug occuring on Friday Night or Saturday Morning ..... hopefully. I just don't feel happy at the thought of him being in the team for this match, especially with the likes of Aldridge already cranking up the mind games. No way can he be 100% focused after what has happened over the summer and early season.
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darthvader added 12:25 - Nov 15 If Mane and cúntinio don't play and that new free scoring lad gets sent off in the first minute, then we may scrape a draw or a last minute 0-1. Vvd getting it . If would cry laughing
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darthvader added 12:26 - Nov 15 I*
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SanMarco added 12:42 - Nov 15 Ah - so Mane IS a useful player!! We will need to score goals to win this one. Perhaps we will be awarded a few penalties...
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SaintBrock added 10:13 - Nov 16 "We will need to score goals to win this one" SanMarco did you really say this !?!?
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SaintBrock added 10:29 - Nov 16 We should not expect to have to pray for injuries to their players or pray against injuries to ours to compete without fear, we are in the PL and we should be in it to win it come what may. It's a squad game we are told so we should be good enough to take on all comers. That is not to say we won't get thrashed on Saturday because patently we are not good enough this season; if we keep it down to 0-3 that will be a reasonable day's work.

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