Three changes for Liverpool against Southampton

Liverpool moved back above Tottenham and into third place in the Premier League table as two first-half goals gave them a routine 2-0 victory at struggling Southampton.

First-half goals from Roberto Firmino - his 20th of the campaign - and the irrepressible Mohamed Salah secured maximum points for the visitors, who have now scored more away goals this term than during the entirety of last season.

Stephens has even chipped in with three vital goals on his last three appearances and Pellegrino said: "I think we have got enough players to replace Van Dijk".

And while they were not at their best, Klopp was left to reflect on a Liverpool performance that improved throughout.

Despite naming a full-strength team, Klopp will also be keeping one eye out for Liverpool's Champions League first-leg knockout tie away to Porto on Wednesday.

With a clean sheet and the satisfaction of closing the gap on second-placed Manchester United to just two points to boot, Liverpool fans have every right to be buzzing about the way things are going right about now.

Van Dijk epitomised exactly what Southampton now lack at the back and what Liverpool were looking for when signing him in order to strengthen a previously very weak and fragile area.

Firmino collected the ball from Salah before producing an exquisite flick back into the Egyptian's path, and Salah made no mistake with his finish into the bottom corner for his 29th goal of the season.

One-time Southampton player Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain tried his luck moments later, with a deflected strike being stopped and held by Alex McCarthy.

"But Virgil is part of the past and we have to focus on our game and what we have to do".