Charlie Nicholas has predicted that Liverpool will be a held to a 2-2 draw by Southampton on Saturday, expecting the Saints to smell blood.
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side might well fancy their chances against an injury-hit opponent battling fatigue after a 120-minute Super Cup slog on Wednesday night.
Nicholas also says they will take encouragement from the ease with which opponents have been able to get in-behind Liverpool’s defence in our early matches.
“I am not convinced by Liverpool this season,” the former Celtic and Arsenal told Sky Sports. “Are they going to be good enough for second? Yes they are.
“Liverpool cannot and will not be as good defensively – Alisson is out already, too.
“Southampton will be looking at different things and how to exploit this Liverpool team.”
The Saints were dealt a 3-0 beating at Burnley on the opening day, but this will be a different type of game, and Nicholas has warned that we should be braced for a response.
“I think Southampton, after the rotten result, will be at it here,” he said.
Klopp may be forced into resting some important players and has had very little time to address the defensive frailties which have emerged.
That’s part of the reason it promises to be a difficult afternoon on the South Coast.
But Liverpool know it’ll probably have to be ugly and are more than capable of grinding out a victory.