Liverpool will be looking to begin 2021 in winning fashion when they take on Southampton at St Mary's on Monday night.

An anti-climactic end to 2020 saw the champions held to draws by both West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle United, while results elsewhere mean that they will go into their opening match of the New Year with only goal difference keeping them top of the Premier League table.

The Reds face a Southampton side in faltering form themselves, though, with the hosts winless in their last four games.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how Jurgen Klopp could set his side out for the contest.

Out: Joel Matip (adductor), Virgil van Dijk (knee), Joe Gomez (knee), Diogo Jota (knee), Kostas Tsimikas (knee), Naby Keita (muscle)
Doubtful: None

> Click here for Liverpool's latest injury and suspension news ahead of this match

As disappointing as the draw with Newcastle was last time out, one major positive to come out of the game was the return of Thiago Alcantara from injury, and the Spain international could make only his second start for the club here.

Klopp is likely to exercise caution over the midfielder and so may hold him back for another sub appearance first, but his side have had five days between games and that may be enough for Thiago to get back up to a fitness level which enables him to start this one.

Georginio Wijnaldum will also be expecting to come back into the side after sitting out against his former club last time out, but Naby Keita remains sidelined.

Diogo Jota is still out too, but Liverpool's main injury issues come in defence, where Joel Matip has joined Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Kostas Tsimikas in the treatment room.

Nat Phillips could be chosen ahead of Rhys Williams to partner Fabinho at the back as speculation over whether Liverpool will sign a new centre-back in January continues to swirl.

An FA Cup tie next up means that Klopp may opt against resting any of his big stars, and Mohamed Salah in particular has an impressive record against Southampton with seven goals in six Premier League meetings.

Video prediction

Watch the Sports Mole Football Shorts prediction for this game below: