Ex-Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson believes the Reds will get the three points when Jurgen Klopp’s men face Southampton this evening.

The Saints are certainly a more resilient side under manager Ralph Hasenhuttl but the TV pundit is backing his former team to triumph at St Mary’s:

“It is a tough game for the Reds for lots of reasons, though. Saints got a thoroughly deserved win over Brighton last weekend.”

“They really needed those three points despite the improvement they have made since Ralph Hasenhuttl took charge in December, and they are far from safe yet either. But this is a Liverpool side that, whatever way they play at the moment, just get the job done.”

“What might help the Reds is that I cannot see Southampton sitting back and playing for a draw. I think Hasenhuttl will want to have a bit of a go and that will open things up a bit.”

Lawrenson has gone for a 2-0 away win which will move Liverpool back to the top of the table ahead of Manchester City.

In the betting stakes, the Reds are currently behind City as favourites for the Premier League title. Unibet (where you can benefit from using a unibet code ) have Jurgen Klopp’s men at 6/4 currently with the Citizens 11/20.

Their chances have been boosted with commanding centre-back Virgil van Dijk expected to be fit after sustaining a knock against Tottenham.

The Dutchman may not be the only former Southampton player to be included in the starting eleven. Sadio Mane and Adam Lallana could start, but Dejan Lovren will probably have to settle for a place on the bench.

The Saints won’t be able to pick Danny Ings, though, with the striker ineligible to play against his parent club until his loan move is made permanent in the summer.