Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage of this afternoon's Premier League clash between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium. Both of these sides are fighting for a top-four finish and are also enjoying some excellent form, so we should be in for an entertaining encounter on the South Coast. Team news will be through shortly.

SOUTHAMPTON: Forster; Clyne, Yoshida, Fonte; Davis, Wanyama, Djuricic, Ward-Prowse, Targett; Elia, Pelle

SOUTHAMPTON SUBS: K Davis, Schneiderlin, Gardos, Long, Tadic, Reed, Mane

Following on from their goalless draw with West Ham United last time out, Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has made three changes to his starting lineup for today's game. Filip Djuricic is given his first start for the Saints, while James Ward-Prowse and Matt Targett also feature. Florin Gardos, Saido Mane and Harrison Reed all drop to the bench.

LIVERPOOL: Mignolet; Can, Skrtel, Lovren; Lallana, Henderson, Allen, Markovic; Ibe, Coutinho, Sterling

LIVERPOOL SUBS: Ward, Johnson, Toure, Lambert, Sturridge, Moreno, Balotelli

After seeing his side narrowly beat Besiktas in the first leg of their last-32 tie in the Europa League in midweek, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has opted for three changes this afternoon as former Southampton defender Dejan Lovren, Lazar Markovic and Raheem Sterling are all recalled. Adam Lallana starts against his former club, but Rickie Lambert has to settle for a place on the bench alongside Daniel Sturridge. For the record, Mamadou Sakho misses out altogether with a hip problem.

UPDATE! Today's early kickoff in the Premier League saw Tottenham Hotspur earn a 2-2 draw at home to West Ham United thanks to a goal from Harry Kane deep in stoppage time. This afternoon's other game is currently taking place at Goodison Park, where Everton and drawing 1-1 with Leicester City. There's around 20 minutes left to play in that one.

Anyway, back to business. There can be no doubting that today's match at St Mary's Stadium could well be a corker. Both of these teams are in the hunt for a top-four finish, though it's Southampton who are currently in the driving seat. The Saints will move up to third place with a victory this afternoon, while a win for Liverpool would move the visitors up to sixth position.

This match also sees three former Saints go back to their old club for the first time. Dejan Lovren, Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert all enjoyed some successful times with Southampton, but they are now plying their trade on Merseyside. Lallana has been speaking about his return this week, and the midfielder has admitted that his reception is likely to be a mixed one following his protracted exit in the summer.

"I'm not stupid enough to think the way I left didn't leave a sour taste in a few people's mouths," Lallana told BBC Radio Solent earlier this week. "The way I left I regret, I regret bits and pieces of how it happened and it got nasty. It was sad the way it happened.

"Deep down I hope Saints fans appreciate the times we had at the club together. Football is a fickle game - if I do get the jeers and the boos I'm just going to take it as them missing me playing down there because I miss Southampton. I miss the fans and I miss the good times we had down there. Of course I do."

© Getty Images

Meanwhile, Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has suggested that the likes of Lallana, Lovren and Lambert may regret leaving the club in the future: "A reason to move is not always for the player to do about football. Maybe it's about money. We can't pay salaries like the big teams in the Premier League pay. It's always less here.

"If you stay, you stay for different reasons. You stay for the fact you are more sure that you play every weekend and it's not too early - it's about the age of the player and about the experience of the player. But I think it's normal that you will lose players if you don't play every season in the Champions League because it's the intention for every player to be part of that."

When it comes to current form, both of these teams have been impressive during the past few weeks. Liverpool have taken 14 points from their last 18 on offer, while Southampton have claimed 13. The Merseysiders start the day on a nine-game unbeaten run, leading many to think that they are hitting their stride at a perfect time.

PHOTOS: A peek inside the #LFC dressing room at St Mary's ahead of kick off... pic.twitter.com/NdlCV9hYlM — Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 22, 2015

HEAD TO HEAD: Liverpool have the superior record when it comes to past meetings between these sides, winning 41 games compared to 24 for Southampton. Meanwhile, there have been a total of 19 draws since they first faced each other.

There's been absolutely nothing to separate the teams in their last six encounters. Southampton have recorded three victories and so have Liverpool. The reverse fixture at Anfield on the opening weekend of the season ended 2-1 to the Reds thanks to a late goal from Daniel Sturridge, while Brendan Rodgers's men saw off the Saints 3-0 at St Mary's Stadium last season during their unsuccessful title tilt.

UPDATE! The final whistle has gone at Goodison Park, where Everton have fought back to claim a 2-2 draw with Leicester City. Romelu Lukaku was the hero for the Toffees, scoring two minutes from time to earn them a share of the spoils.

Looking at both Southampton's and Liverpool's benches, it's impressive how much quality the two managers have to call upon if needed. The hosts have Long, Tadic and Reed waiting in the wings, while the visitors can bring on Lambert, Sturridge and Balotelli if needs be.

PHOTO: #LFC midfielder Adam Lallana warms up at the home of his former club. pic.twitter.com/zYCQfH4R9r — Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 22, 2015

It's fair to say that Adam Lallana is not going to have the easiest of afternoons. The midfielder has already got a fair bit of stick from the home fans, who in contrast are singing the praises of Rickie Lambert. Around 10 minutes to go until this one gets underway.

The players are starting to emerge in the tunnel at St Mary's Stadium as we edge closer to kickoff. Jordan Henderson captains Liverpool today in the absence of Steven Gerrard, while Jose Fonte skippers Southampton. The ground has filled up nicely in the last half hour or so. It's pretty hard to tell which way this game is going to go this afternoon because both of these teams are in such good form.

For the record, the rain is coming down fairly heavily in Southampton. The conditions don't look like they're going to improve any time soon, so that could be a factor in today's result. Here come the teams!

KICKOFF! The players are out, the pre-match handshakes have been done, and it will be visitors Liverpool to get us underway. Here we go!

PENALTY APPEAL! Early drama in this game as a sweeping ball sends Djuricic through before the January signing looks to be bundled over by Can inside the box. However, referee Kevin Friend waves play on. At first glance that looked like it could have been a penalty.

What an incredible goal from Philippe Coutinho to give Liverpool the lead following an explosive opening to this game. The Brazilian takes aim from all of 30 yards and smashes an unstoppable shot past Forster and into the back of the net via the crossbar.

CHANCE! Southampton come so close to netting an equaliser as a scramble in the box ends with Elia's low shot being deflected wide by the legs of Mignolet. Unfortunately from a Southampton perspective the resulting corner comes to nothing. This is breathless stuff.

Both Lovren and Lallana are being booed by the Southampton fans whenever they're on the ball, which isn't that big a surprise. There was an incident in the build-up to that Elia chance that saw Djuricic go down in the area again under a reckless challenge from Allen, but Kevin Friend again turned down the appeals.

Southampton are controlling most of the possession at the moment as the pace of the game settles down. The hosts are doing a good job in winning the loose balls, while Liverpool are struggling to get a foot in. Despite his side conceding so early, Ronald Koeman isn't looking too worried in the dugout.

The slippery conditions aren't affecting Southampton, that's for sure. The home side's passing is crisp and dynamic as they continue to ask questions of Liverpool. Clyne in particular is having a lot of joy down the right flank against Markovic. The full-back has got past his man a couple of times already.

4 - Four of Philippe Coutinho's 11 Premier League goals have come from outside the box. Wallop.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 22, 2015

This is better from Liverpool, who have been on the back foot since taking the lead through that incredible strike from Coutinho. The visitors are starting to build a bit of possession, though they're not doing a great deal with the ball. Ibe has looked lively for the Reds thanks to some confident runs down the right.

The visitors are continuing to put Southampton under a bit of pressure as Sterling gets more involved high up the pitch. Sterling has been quiet so far today, but the likes of Coutinho and Lallana are starting to try to thread a few passes through to him. However, the slickness of the pitch is seeing the ball go straight through to Forster. The conditions are only going to get worse as the rain still falls, so that could be a recurring theme.

Truth be told, the chances have dried up since that early flurry of entertainment. This game has become a bit attritional, with a few needless fouls breaking up the flow.

Can is very lucky not to get a booking there after chopping down the marauding Clyne on the right wing. The Saints have to settle for a throw, which is eventually wasted as Liverpool regain possession. The Southampton fans are feeling a bit hard done by when it comes to decisions from referee Kevin Friend this afternoon.

A half-chance falls the way of Liverpool as Mignolet's clearance bounces over Fonte before going through to Ibe, but the youngster fails to control the ball and Southampton get it back. That was a prime example of how these we conditions are playing a part.

It's a real battle for possession in midfield as both sets of players struggle to keep hold of the ball. The nasty conditions aren't helping, but there's also some fairly ambitious passes being played when simpler balls seem the better option. If you're wondering how Lallana is doing, he's not having the biggest impact on this game.

Targett does really well to get past Lallana on the left, but the youngster slips just as he tries to run into the box. The hosts are beginning to come to life a bit. They're spending an increasing amount of time in the Liverpool half, though they're finding it tough to get in behind the Merseysiders.

Southampton have Liverpool worried as a scramble in the box takes place, but Kevin Friend eventually blows for an infringement and gives the away side the free kick. You get the feeling that the Saints are building up a bit of a head of steam here. They've not let that early goal affect them too much, which Ronald Koeman will be pleased about.

Five minutes left to play in the first half and Southampton are asking most of the questions. It's been a strange half from a Liverpool point of view because they've really struggled to impose themselves on the game, yet they're 1-0 up. Still, Brendan Rodgers may well be happy with how his players have shown their mettle.

YELLOW CARD! Big cheers from the Southampton fans as Lovren goes into the book for a rash challenge on Ward-Prowse. The defender is unhappy with the decision, but he can have no complaints with that.

CHANCE! Plenty of controversy here as Elia chases down a long ball before Mignolet comes off his line and appears to handle outside of his area before clearing the danger. That was an extremely close call for the officials, but play continues.

The half-time whistle goes, bringing an end to what was a fascinating opening 45 minutes of football at St Mary's Stadium. Liverpool lead 1-0 thanks to a sensational strike from Coutinho inside the first two minutes, but Southampton will feel as if they should have had at least one penalty in that half.

The Saints certainly deserve a goal. They've been the better side so far, even though they find themselves chasing this game. Meanwhile, Liverpool have struggled to assert themselves since taking that early lead.

As for the penalty appeals from Southampton, where do we start?! They were denied two spot kicks inside the opening five minutes as Djuricic was brought down twice in the box by Can and Allen respectively. The first looked 50-50, but the second looked nailed on as Allen went in to win the ball recklessly. Then there was that moment involving Mignolet where it looked as if he handled the ball outside of his penalty area. The only problem with that one was that the officials struggled to keep up with play because it was a long ball over the top that set it up.

Anyway, let's move away from the controversy and talk about Coutinho's goal. The Brazilian struck the ball so sweetly from about 30 yards out, giving Forster no chance whatsoever. It was a wonderful strike.

1 - Liverpool only had one shot in the first half vs Southampton (Coutinho's goal in the third minute). Minimalist.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 22, 2015

UPDATE! Today's other two games in the Premier League have provided plenty of entertainment, with both ending up as 2-2 draws. Tottenham Hotspur earned a share of the spoils at home to West Ham United after Harry Kane scored deep in stoppage time, while a late goal from Romelu Lukaku helped Everton to a draw at home to Leicester City.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY! The teams are back out for the second half and it will be Southampton who kick us off. The hosts have also made a change during the break, with Morgan Schneiderlin replacing Steven Davis in midfield. Liverpool have made their own change as well as Alberto Moreno enters the action in place of Lazar Markovic.

It's been a fairly even start to the second period, with both teams showing some early attacking intent. The hosts create a good opportunity as Elia makes a darting run down the right, but his cross is too deep and Liverpool clear the danger. The home side then win a corner on the right that's eventually headed away.

CHANCE! A slick move from the Saints ends with Pelle dragging a tame shot wide from the edge of the box. The Italian striker has had a subdued afternoon in front of goal so far, it must be said. However, there's still plenty of time left in this game for him to make an impact.

That's disappointing from Ward-Prowse. The midfielder's deliveries from free kicks and corners are usually pretty good, but this time he gets it all wrong. The Saints win a free kick in a good area on the left, only for Ward-Prowse to direct his delivery straight into the hands of Mignolet.

SOUTHAMPTON SUB: The hosts make their second change of the afternoon as Sadio Mane replaces James Ward-Prowse. Meanwhile, it's becoming a bit end to end on the pitch. Both teams are surging forward whenever they can as we approach the hour mark.

CHANCE! Great play from Mane, who holds the ball up well inside the box before getting a shot away. However, his effort is deflected behind for a corner by Skrtel. The defender comes to the rescue again for Liverpool when the set piece is whipped in as he heads clear.

LIVERPOOL SUB: The boos ring out around the ground as Lallana is replaced by Daniel Sturridge. The midfielder hasn't had that big a say on the game in all honesty.

YELLOW CARD! Victor Wanyama goes into the book following a foul on Sterling. It's a pretty harsh booking in fairness.

Mane's introduction from the bench has given Southampton a fresh approach up front. The sub has got stuck straight into the Liverpool defence with some good runs and good hold-up play. However, the home side are still lacking the clinical touch when it comes to the final third. Just over 20 minutes remaining for them to get something out of this match.

It's all gone a bit scrappy again in the last few minutes, though it's Southampton who are doing most of the pressing. They win a free kick in a central position around 30 yards from goal, but what is intended as a clever move to slide Djuricic down the right ends up with the ball going out of play. That was a waste.

CHANCE! Liverpool threaten at the other end as Sturridge weaves his way past Fonte before Yoshida saves the day with a last-ditch tackle. The Japan international had to time that perfectly.

Could that be game over? Liverpool increase their lead as Raheem Sterling steers the ball into the net to make it 2-0. Moreno puts a cross into the box from the left that Targett only clears as far as Sterling, allowing the winger to fire past Forster from about 12 yards.

SOUTHAMPTON, LIVERPOOL SUBS: Both sides make changes now as Filip Djuricic is replaced by Dusan Tadic for Southampton, while Glen Johnson replaces Jordon Ibe for Liverpool.

YELLOW CARD! Liverpool defender Alberto Moreno gets himself booked after fouling Mane. The resulting free kick sees Tadic fire a low drive towards goal that Mignolet is equal to. Southampton are pushing hard now as they look for a way back into this match.

3 - Liverpool have scored two goals from just three shots at Southampton today. Functional.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 22, 2015

A goal now for Southampton would set up an interesting final few minutes, that's for sure. However, the hosts are starting to look a bit laboured going forward. Liverpool have been excellent in defence so far this afternoon, soaking up lots of pressure and making it very hard for the home side to break through.

YELLOW CARD! Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is the latest name to go into the book following a foul on Elia.

Liverpool are going about things in a professional manner now, keeping hold of the ball and making Southampton do all of the running. The hosts are still huffing and puffing away, though time is quickly running out for them. Sturridge finds some space in the opposition box before getting a shot away, but it's well held by Forster.

Liverpool are still doing a good job of maintaining possession and forcing Southampton to chase as the clock approaches the 90-minute mark. Assuming the score is going to stay as it is, this will be a great win for Liverpool. Their early-season troubles appear to be a thing of the past now as they hit their stride at the perfect time.

There will be at least FOUR MINUTES of added time...

That should be that. Southampton are still plugging away, though it looks like they are going to end this game without a goal. Two minutes of stoppage time left.

There it is! Liverpool give their hopes of a top-four finish a huge boost thanks to a 2-0 win over Southampton. Coutinho and Sterling got the goals for the visitors, who are now unbeaten in their last 10 league games. Meanwhile, the Saints will be forced to lick their wounds and go again next weekend.

That's all from our live text coverage of this afternoon's game, but you can keep up to date with all of the reaction from both teams right here on Sports Mole. Thanks for your company, we hope to see you again soon. Goodbye!