Southampton's forward line is a point of strength but Mauricio Pochettino was still disappointed to have missed out on signing Philippe Coutinho from Internazionale in January. The Brazilian, who had a loan spell under Pochettino at Espanyol, signed for Liverpool and is likely to be in opposition at St Mary's on Saturday. "Coutinho has that same quality that Ronaldinho and Messi have, but he has much to prove yet," said Pochettino. Despite recent progress, so too do Liverpool, whose record on the south coast is wretched. James Callow

Venue St Mary's, Saturday 3pm

Tickets £35-£48 (02381 780 780)

Last season N/A

Referee P Dowd

This season's matches 18 Y51, R3, 3.00 cards per game

Odds Southampton 3-1 Liverpool 5-6 Draw 11-4

Probable starters in bold, contenders in light. Photograph: Graphic

Southampton

Subs from K Davis, Richardson, Forren, Hooiveld, Ward-Prowse, Chaplow, S Davis, Do Prado, Puncheon, Mayuka

Doubtful None

Injured None

Suspended None

Form guide DLLWDL

Disciplinary record Y34 R0

Leading scorer Lambert 12

Liverpool

Subs from Jones, Gulacsi, Wisdom, Coates, Skrtel, Henderson, Shelvey, Allen, Sterling, Suso

Doubtful Allen (shoulder), Reina (calf)

Injured Kelly (knee, 22 Mar), Borini (shoulder, unknown)

Suspended None

Form guide WWWLDD

Disciplinary record Y41 R2

Leading scorer Suárez 22

Match pointers

• Southampton have won three of their last four league home games against Liverpool, with all three wins ending 2-0

• When Stewart Downing has scored or assisted a Premier League goal this season, Liverpool have always won (five games)

• Liverpool's shot conversion rate is 14% this season, up from a Premier League-low 20th place in 2011-12 (9%)

• Luis Suarez has had 144 more touches in the opposition box than any other top flight player. The next highest gap between players is 14