Philippe Coutinho is out for several weeks after shoulder surgery so the likes of Iago Aspas and Raheem Sterling will be pushing for a recall.
Southampton left-back Luke Shaw has overcome the knock that forced him to limp off in the draw with West Ham.
But fellow left-back Danny Fox remains a doubt with an ankle complaint and Tadanari Lee may also miss out.
Southampton have a very clear game plan under Maurico Pochettino. Under previous manager Nigel Adkins, Southampton took a more patient approach and looked to be compact in their own half especially against the stronger teams. However, the new manager changed the mind-set and now has the team hunting the ball down in the oppositions half when the possession is lost. The key to this tactic is Lambert and the attacking midfield trio with Wanyama & Schneiderlin backing them up. That midfield of players are all energetic enough and aged between 18-25yrs to carry out such gameplan. Young Jack Cork, who has now been displaced by Wanyama in the team, commented last February on the new high intensity pressing game saying “…it does feel like you need two hearts to play like that“.
Signs of exciting times ahead then? Well, yes, but in a back-to-front way I think the most exciting thing about Liverpool's start is that few seem to be getting TOO excited. There was even talk of a "reality check" from Monday's 2-2 draw at Swansea - a result most teams would happily shake hands on before kick-off.
Southampton drew last week, too, with their failure to turn umpteen chances into goals the reason they couldn't beat West Ham at home. Indeed, it's been a problem for Saints going back to last season, with only four scored in their last nine league games.
"This Is Anfield". It's only a sign, but it's the reason Liverpool's tunnel is arguably the most famous in world football - and a sign that might be starting to resonate with visiting teams again.
Liverpool are 10 home games unbeaten, with only West Brom having left Anfield victorious in 2013 - a year in which Liverpool have so far won seven home league games. At this same stage of 2012, the Kop had only celebrated two successes and wouldn't cheer a third for another month.
