Hello and welcome Sports Mole's live text coverage of the Premier League meeting between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium. The hosts are one of the division's in-form sides over the last 10 games, taking a total of 20 points during that spell to pull themselves into top-five contention, while their opponents have themselves hit an impressive streak under Jurgen Klopp.

These two teams look best positioned to stage a late push for a top-five finish, but maintaining league momentum will be key heading into the final weeks of the season. Liverpool are seeking a third league win in succession for the first time in 12 months this afternoon, though they come up against a Saints side boasting a decent home record overall this year.

TEAM NEWS!

SOUTHAMPTON XI: Forster, Clasie, Fonte, Long, Davis, Tadic, Romeu, Martina, Van Dijk, Pelle, Bertrand

LIVERPOOL XI: Mignolet, Flanagan, Lovren, Sakho, Clyne, Can, Allen, Lallana, Coutinho, Origi, Sturridge

Before taking a look at the changes made by both managers, and making a little more sense of that jumbled Southampton lineup, it is worth mentioning that Jon Flanagan skippers the visitors today for the first time. Fresh on the back of signing that new contract earlier this week, the academy product will lead his side out at St Mary's on what will be the most memorable of occasions for the full-back.

Jurgen Klopp has made three changes to his side in all from the 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Thursday night, bringing Divock Origi, Joe Allen and indeed Flanagan into the starting lineup on the South Coast. James Milner is suspended, of course, having picked up a red card at Crystal Palace recently, while Jordan Henderson is rested after falling ill in the week. Roberto Firmino also misses out - a big blow for the Reds who will now be without their in-form attacker due to a hamstring injury.

Origi scored a hat-trick at this ground in December's 6-1 League Cup rout, remember, which may be behind Klopp's thinking this afternoon to pair the Belgian forward with Daniel Sturridge up top. Alberto Moreno has failed to recover in time from his own hamstring injury, meanwhile, so it will be a big afternoon ahead for Flanagan at full-back. Milner may have filled in well there on Thursday, but his suspension sees him miss out here today.

The Saints, who will face off against former players Adam Lallana, Nathaniel Clyne and Dejan Lovren today, make just one change from their last outing a week ago. It is a big one, too, as Jose Fonte returns to the heart of defence after serving a one-match suspension. Victor Wanyama, likewise, is back in the squad after a longer five-game suspension, meaning that he will have to be on his best behaviour to avoid a similar layoff late in the campaign.

Sadio Mane won an appeal against his harsh sending off at Stoke City eight days ago, so he is in the Southampton squad this afternoon and will no doubt play some part. Graziano Pelle, Shane Long and Dusan Tadic are the men tasked with leading the Saints' line on from the off on the South Coast today, however, with the home side desperate to avenge that thrashing here at the back end of last year in the League Cup.

BENCH WATCH!

SOUTHAMPTON SUBS: Stekelenburg, Cedric, Yoshida, Ward-Prowse, Wanyama, Juanmi, Mane

LIVERPOOL SUBS: Ward, Toure, Benteke, Henderson, Skrtel, Smith, Ojo

Christian Benteke, who is just one goal away from hitting 50 in the Premier League, has to settle for a place among the visitors' substitutes this afternoon. The Belgian has been linked with a move to Juventus in the Sunday papers, with his time at Anfield now looking numbered. Benteke has actually scored in his last two visits to this ground, but it is Origi - who himself has previous here in the recent past - and Sturridge who start upfront.

Martin Skrtel is also back in the Liverpool squad as he ups his recovery from an injury layoff, while in terms of the hosts it is Maya Yoshida who provides central defensive cover. Wanyama may be back from his ban but he has to make do with a spot on the bench, as does Sadio Mane who was given a reprieve following a red card at the Britannia Stadium eight days ago. James Ward-Prowse is another of those Southampton players with the potential to come on and win the game.

Jon Flanagan is one of three players to come into the Liverpool starting lineup this afternoon following Thursday's battling 1-1 draw at Manchester United. The full-back skippers the Reds for the first time fresh on the back of signing a new deal, taking over from Jordan Henderson who is among the back-up options today. Just the one alteration for Southampton, meanwhile, as they welcome back Jose Fonte back from suspension in the heart of defence.

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So two sides locked on 44 points apiece lock horns in the South Coast in a match Ronald Koeman has described as "must win" for his charges. The Saints have played two games more than their opponents in the race for a top-five finish, so the Dutchman is certainly not over-hyping the importance of claiming a valuable win on home soil today. Southampton head into the game sitting in eighth place, six points adrift of a Europa League berth and a further point off the Champions League places.

Manchester United and Manchester City also face off later today, remember, so something has got to give in the battle for a top-four finish. Just one defeat at St Mary's in their last six games here has been key to the Saints' push, though they have now failed to win in their last two with Sunderland earning a 1-1 draw last time around. Last weekend's victory at Stoke ensured that Koeman's men are firmly back on track, though, and can realistically challenge for a place among the European berths.

As mentioned a little earlier, Southampton have actually taken 20 points from the last 30 on offer, putting them third in the form table over that period of time. Only Leicester City (23) and Tottenham Hotspur (22) have gained more points, but things have looked a bit more wobbly when taking it account the last handful of fixtures. It puts even more importance of the next couple of hours on the South Coast, with the loser of this one having the regroup for the final set of matches this term.

DID YOU KNOW? Fraser Forster needs a clean sheet this afternoon to become the fourth-quickest goalkeeper in Premier League history to reach 20 shutouts. The Englishman, who has an outside chance of representing England at the Euros this summer, has currently kept 19 in his 40 league games in the top tier. The men to hit the magic 20 mark quickest? Petr Cech (26), Pepe Reina (32) and Roy Carroll (37).

Southampton, who have scored a league-high 12 headers this term - a potentially telling stat come full time against a Liverpool side that has struggled from set-piece deliveries under Klopp - follow up today's match with a trip to league leaders Leicester City. Newcastle United (H) and Everton (A) are then next on the agenda heading into the month of April, so there is a chance for Koeman's men to continue building momentum over the final stretch.

The Saints may be level on points with their opponents, and also sitting one place higher in the table courtesy of their superior goal difference, but it is Liverpool that look favourites to usurp Stoke City, Manchester United and West Ham United for a place in the top five and thus secure another campaign of European football. That is because of their two games in hand on those around them, which - if both won - will take them level on points with West Ham in fifth.

After making real strides under Klopp in recent weeks, capped by that famous aggregate win over Man United a few days ago in the Europa League, Liverpool may just have an eye on a Champions League berth. Why not? This is a truly sensational season in which any of nine sides can realistically finish in those four illustrious European spots. The long-term target is winning the league, of course, but I'm sure the 'Kloppites' will settle for a top-five finish this time around on the back of a tricky opening half to the season.

Liverpool have suffered just one defeat in their last eight games in all competitions, although even that loss was technically a draw in normal time with Man City prevailing on penalties in the League Cup final. That Wembley heartache could very well have led to the Reds' season petering out badly over the remaining months, but full credit to Klopp for building a strong collective spirit to leave his side battling on two fronts - the Europa League and Premier League.

Ronald Koeman and Jurgen Klopp can both be proud of what they have achieved during their time in the English top flight. The Dutchman has a couple of seasons under his belt now, of course, guiding a depleted Southampton side into Europe in his first full season and also back in strong contention this time around, too. Klopp, on the other hand, could very well end his maiden campaign on British soil with a trophy thanks to the club's progress in the Europa League.

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Since that defeat to Man City at Wembley, Liverpool have picked up three wins and one draw in all competitions. The wins, coming against the Citizens - a few days on from the penalty shootout loss - Crystal Palace and Man United have helped keep the momentum going. Victory here today will make it three league wins on the bounce - a feat last achieved almost exactly a year ago under Brendan Rodgers. It will also take the Reds on the brink of a place in the top five.

Going further back, the Reds are technically unbeaten in eight if you factor in the League Cup final stalemate after normal time, winning five and drawing three. Thirteen goals have been scored in the Merseyside outfit's last four away games, too, and their scoring pedigree extends to a 6-1 rout here the last time they visited in December. That was a truly special display, still in the early days of Klopp's tenure, but it was the win over Man United that really sent out a message to supporters. The future is bright, indeed.

In terms of the Reds' upcoming fixtures, they meet Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield next week in a huge Premier League showdown. Stoke City also visit Merseyside in the coming weeks, and it is fair to say that no side will particularly fancy facing off against Liverpool at this moment in time. Eighteen goals have been scored in their last six league outings at an average of three a match - some return from the forward players.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS! Liverpool have won their last three matches at St Mary's, including the 6-1 win here three months ago. Southampton have not actually lost three in succession on home soil against the Reds since December 1996, so they will be hoping to avoid re-writing the history books this afternoon. The last league meeting between the two finished 1-1 at Anfield earlier this season.

Kickoff at St Mary's is now exactly 10 minutes away, so let us quickly check out the pre-match views from both camps heading into this intriguing Premier League clash.

Ronald Koeman: "I expect a difficult one. They have a really strong team, a lot of options and they've had two really good results against Manchester United in the Europa League. It was a must-win game for us against Stoke and it is the same again this weekend."

Jurgen Klopp: "The problem with confidence is that it's a little flower and if you step on it it's gone in a second. But it's not only about confidence, it's about feeling more and more trust in our way of playing. Everything is prepared for a good game. Southampton are a really good side and if we want to win we have to be really good."

Interesting comments made by Klopp, who has highlighted the importance of keeping this momentum going. All it takes is a couple of defeats on the spin and all of a sudden the club is seemingly heading towards a crisis. As it is, though, supporters of the Merseyside outfit have plenty to look forward to at this moment in time. Southampton fans, too, will be confident of more success under the watch of Koeman, who has seen his name linked with a couple of the more illustrious jobs at the higher end of the Premier League in recent times.

PREDICTION! Certainly not an easy one to call, and I'm therefore going to sit on the fence just a little and back this one to finish as a 1-1 draw. These two teams are very evenly matched on the whole, both desperate to keep in touch of the top five in the division to potentially land a European spot come the end of the campaign. In terms of the goalscorers, I'll go with Long and Sturridge to find the net.

Both sets of players have now made their way into the tunnel area at St Mary's Stadium, with kickoff fast approaching. A really good atmosphere inside the ground for this lunchtime kickoff, which will have a big say on things in the middle third of the division. Both teams fielding two centre forwards this afternoon, remember, so the potential to see some goals on the South Coast too.

Daniel Sturridge among the Liverpool starters this afternoon. Christian Benteke has scored in each of his last two trips to St Mary's but he is on the bench from the off. Kickoff now just moments away...

3 - Daniel Sturridge has scored three goals in his last two starts against Southampton in all competitions. Saintly. — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 20, 2016

KICKOFF! We are underway on the South Coast in this intriguing Premier League tie. Liverpool dominating possession in the early stages and looking to quickly move the ball into advanced positions.

Three minutes on the clock and Coutinho has fired away the first shot of the match. It was a poor effort in truth, though, with the ball sailing high and wide of the intended target. Positive start made by the visitors, who are well on top at the moment.

CLOSE! Bertrand perhaps should have done better to pick out a teammate when working some space down the flank, but Southampton settle for a corner in the end. The set piece is met well by Van Dijk, who could only nod wide of the far post from five yards out.

So Liverpool making the brighter start on the South Coast, but it is Southampton who have come closest to opening the scoring through that Van Dijk header. The centre-back perhaps should have been doing better from there, a couple of weeks on from his vital late goal against Sunderland here.

PENALTY APPEAL! A big moment in this match already, as Shane Long is pushed to the ground by Dejan Lovren inside the area. Referee Roger East clearly felt that the Southampton forward went down too easily, however, and was quick to wave play on. That, for me, should have been a penalty.

Plenty of action already in this match, then, as Southampton come close through Van Dijk and then see a strong appeal for a penalty turned down. Home supporters making their thoughts on former player Dejan Lovren well known, adding to what is a very good atmosphere.

Shane Long is well up for it today, getting in behind the Liverpool defence only to be denied by a fine sliding challenge from Lovren. The Croat was lucky not to concede a penalty five minutes ago, but no debate over that tackle - perfectly timed!

Southampton currently dictating the tempo of the game, which is in stark contrast to the opening few minutes of the match when Liverpool were the team on top. No denying that the Saints have been the better side so far after creating a couple of openings - one of which should have led to a penalty.

SHOT! For the first time in the match Sturridge is given a bit of space on the edge of the box. The Englishman curled a rather weak effort on target, which Forster easily got behind to collect. A little warning there for the hosts.

Yet another gem of a goal to add to the Philippe Coutinho scrapbook, with this latest attempt coming pretty much out of nowhere. The Brazilian cut in from the left before curling an effort into the bottom corner from 25 yards out. Southampton's defence not quick enough to close down the in-form attack, who really is loving life at the moment.

All three shots on goal so far have been provided by Liverpool, with that Coutinho strike the one that truly counts. The Saints actually made a really bright start so they now need to find some momentum once more following that cruel setback.

A sense of deja vu for the Saints here, as Liverpool go two up inside the opening quarter of the match. A swift counter culminated in Origi slipping the ball through for Sturridge, who simply readied himself and passed the ball beyond the reach of Forster. The Englishman made that finish look as easy as you like.

It's worth mentioning that the last time Sturridge and Origi were partnered together in a game, Liverpool put six past Southampton here. There is a real sense of that happening again, as they have already bagged two with 25 minutes now on the clock. What does Koeman do now?

CHANCE! Dejan Lovren can have no complaints after a late sliding tackle on Long sees him earn the game's first yellow. Liverpool really should be three up, though, as the sweetest of passing moves ended with Allen clean through on goal, only for his shot to be kept out by the long reach of Forster.

SHOT! This is incredible. Liverpool yet again work a three-against-two position at the back, with Allen slipping in Sturridge in a repeat of the second goal. Sturridge's attempt lacked any pace whatsoever, allowing Forster to routinely keep out the shot.

Southampton started brightly on the South Coast and really should have had a penalty when Shane Long was brought down by former Saint Dejan Lovren. Referee Roger East waved play on and the rest, as they say, is history. Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge on the scoresheet so far, with Joe Allen then missing a one-on-one chance.

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GOAL DISALLOWED! More controversy at St Mary's, as Joe Allen appeared to score a third goal of the afternoon for the Reds to spark further celebrations. Just when Liverpool's players were returning towards the halfway line, the referee ruled the goal out with the help of the linesman's offside flag. Sakho was in an offside position when Allen's shot came in through a sea of bodies.

What an incredible half of football this has been. The officials did get that Sakho offside call correct, but it was so incredibly harsh on Allen who has already missed a one-on-one today. Up the other end, Pelle blasts well wide of target when closed down in the box.

Much better from Southampton since that let-off five minutes ago. It has been one-way traffic since, but Liverpool will not be all that concerned with the prospect of mounting the odd counter-attacking move.

Liverpool just winning all the second balls at the moment, which is understandably frustrating home supporters. A third before the break will end this match for good, but until that goal arrives Southampton still have hope of rescuing at least a point.

Mignolet still yet to make a single save this afternoon; Southampton's five goal attempts thus far all falling wide of the mark. It could have been a different story entirely had Roger East pointed to the spot early on.

A route for Southampton to drag themselves back into the game from a free kick, but Bertrand's attempt is a good yard over the bar in the end. Half time fast approaching now, and it is still Liverpool's game to lose at this stage.

Two more minutes to play at the end of this first half. Both teams will probably be happy to hear the whistle now, with the opening 45 minutes just beginning to peter out. Plenty for Koeman to say at the break, no doubt.

Liverpool take a two-goal advantage into half time, courtesy of strikes from Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge inside the opening quarter of the match. It was an action-packed half of football, containing plenty of talking points to dissect - the biggest of which saw Shane Long denied a clear penalty when bundled over by Dejan Lovren nine minutes in.

That came soon after Virgil van Dijk had himself come close to opening the scoring from a glancing header; a chance that actually proved to be the Saints' only clear opening of the half. Sturridge fired in a warning 17 minutes into the match with a strike from the edge of the box, but it was Coutinho who made the difference 60 seconds later when curling one into the bottom corner from range.

Five minutes later it was 2-0, as Divock Origi slipped in Sturridge at the end of a swift break for the Englishman to coolly dispatch. Sturridge would then fail to convert from an identical position 10 minutes later, soon after Joe Allen's one-on-one attempt was thwarted by Fraser Forster. Allen was involved again later in the half, seeing his strike ruled out for offside more than 30 seconds after the ball hit the net.

So Liverpool in complete control at the midway stage, then, which could see a reshuffle for the Saints at half time.

SOUTHAMPTON SUBS: Stekelenburg, Cedric, Yoshida, Ward-Prowse, Wanyama, Juanmi, Mane

LIVERPOOL SUBS: Ward, Toure, Benteke, Henderson, Skrtel, Smith, Ojo

RESTART! We are back underway on the South Coast, where there is news of three changes from the break. Southampton have made two alterations, bringing on Wanyama and Mane for Clasie and Mane. Skrtel is on for Lovren for the visitors.

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PENALTY TO SOUTHAMPTON! It has been a very bright start to the half by the Saints, who have themselves a penalty two minutes after the restart. Pelle is brought down by Skrtel and now the hosts can reduce the arrears.

PENALTY SAVED! Well, well, well. Mane's penalty is saved by Mignolet to deny the Saints a chance of putting some real pressure on their opponents. Huge credit to the Belgian stopper there - he has had next to nothing to do all match up until that point.

SHOT! Liverpool are now going in search of a third up the other end, coming close to finding what would surely be a decisive goal when Origi jinks his way into the box. His strike has some power behind it but Forster just about keeps it out.

Well it's certainly hasn't been a quiet start to the second half! A couple of shots on target and an early penalty for the Saints, which Mignolet kept out. What next in this highly entertaining clash on the South Coast?!

Origi, the scorer of a hat-trick here in December, is providing some good width for the visitors now. A couple of times he has nearly got in behind, but he only has that one earlier shot to show for his efforts.

Allen is another Liverpool player who is really enjoying himself today. The Welshman opts to slot a delicate pass through for a teammate, only for the offside flag to go up. He perhaps could have taken the shot on himself 10 yards out.

Another really good passing move from the visitors ends with Can being played through. The versatile Reds man did not make the desired connection with the ball, though, and his weak attempt deflected into the hands of Forster.

Van Dijk does brilliantly to head the ball across the face of goal from a free-kick delivery, but Mane is a matter of inches away from turning it home. Southampton's best spell of the game, this, which so far they have failed to capitalise on.

I was just about to say it is clearly not Southampton's day after Romeu saw his shot superbly tipped over by Mignolet. From the next attacking move they finally found a way through, though - Mane taking on Pelle's pass in the box before turning and shooting across Mignolet. Game on!

Southampton more than deserved that goal following a really bright showing in this second half. Liverpool too cautious, on the other hand, and failing to build on their advantage. Clyne has just had a shot on target kept out by Forster in a routine manner.

SUBS! Ward-Prowse is now on for Romeu, with Koeman changing things around slightly through his final change of the afternoon. Sturridge has also been withdrawn; Benteke the man to replace him in search of a third goal in the same number of outings here.

So 20 huge minutes ahead in this game on the South Coast, then, with Southampton the team in the ascendency in the hunt for a leveller. The Saints have lost their rhythm slightly but they are still looking fairly bright in the attacking third.

Sadio Mane's strike 64 minutes in has given Southampton a huge lifeline in a match that looked dead a buried at one stage. Liverpool now having to hold on a little in the final quarter of this game, which has provided plenty of entertainment so far.

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CLOSE! Massive chance for Benteke to seal the points for his side. Lallana's ball is perfectly weighted for the Belgian to take in his stride, but he drags the effort across the face of goal. That should have been that in terms of the Saints' hopes of rescuing a point.

The contest still hanging in the balance as the final 10 minutes approach. We can expect a very tense finale at this rate, with both teams appearing to have another goal in them.

The home side are seeing far more of the ball than their opponents, but they just need to move up another gear if they are to really put the Reds under pressure. A simple ball for Mignolet to collect a few moments ago, so a change of tactics may be required.

Home supporters really urging their team on now, sensing that Liverpool are perhaps on the ropes. Jurgen Klopp still has one change available to him, which will have to be used wisely - if at all! Nine minutes left to play at St Mary's.

A Joe Allen rocket is blocked on the edge of the box, summing up Liverpool's frustration in attack this second half. I'm expecting Southampton to go all out attack in these closing stages - still a little cautious at the moment.

Southampton, two down and without much hope 22 minutes into this match, are now level at 2-2 late on! It is a belter of a goal, too, right out of the top drawer from Graziano Pelle. The Italian forward moved the ball onto his left and fired a rocket past Mignolet from 20 yards.

SOUTHAMPTON LEAD AT ST MARY'S!!! What a turnaround this has been - sensational! Liverpool have just completely collapsed in this second half, and the Saints just about deserve this lead. Mignolet's poor clearance was quickly pounced on, with Mane being slipped through on goal where he kept his cool to finish past the Belgian keeper once again.

Absolutely incredible. Still probably around five or six minutes to play on the South Coast - enough time for just a few more goals! Surely we have seen enough drama for one game?

Coutinho fails to conjure up more magic, cutting inside on his right and blasting the ball over the bar. Just three more minutes left to play at the end of this incredible second half.

Liverpool, as expected, asking all the questions at the moment but not really troubling their opponents too much. They have 60 seconds to rescue a game that they have somehow thrown away in this second half. Klopp will be fuming if it remains this way.

Where to even begin analysing that match?! It was a game of football that had it all - controversial decisions, a missed penalty, five goals and the most amazing of Southampton comebacks. Liverpool looked so in control at one point and even thought they had a third through Joe Allen. That was ruled out for offside after much deliberation, and it proved to be a huge call.

Sadio Mane really was the difference in the end, coming off the bench to score twice - having already missed a penalty - while Graziano Pelle also played a key part in the rescue act. A day to forget for Liverpool in the end, then, and they now find themselves three points adrift of their opponents. That is all in terms of our live text coverage, but be sure to stick around for plenty of reaction from the South Coast. Thanks for joining!