It’s been another secure season for Southampton in the Premier League this season…

Alongside a trip to Wembley for the EFL Cup final, the Saints currently sit 9th in the table before they take on top four hopefuls Liverpool this Sunday.

In three games this season, the Reds have failed to break down Southampton’s defence and there is no doubt that the Saints have the wood over Jurgen Klopp’s men following these results this season. A highlight for the Saints’ fans in the Tavern was the 1-0 nil second leg win at Anfield in the semi-final of the EFL Cup with Shane Long finding the net on that occasion.

However, Long and his other forwards have not really been consistent in front of goal this season and although Manolo Gabbiadini has injected some quality into the Saints’ front line – his injury meant that the South Coast club have struggled to find consistency in front of goal this season.

Although our landlord acknowledges the Saints’ struggles, he cannot take away from what has been an impressive first season at St Mary’s for boss Claude Puel and if the Frenchman can make some shrewd signings in the summer transfer window – then we may see big things next season from the Saints.

Either way, there is a game for Puel and his men to focus on this Sunday and our landlord has outlined the XI that should be named to compound more misery on Liverpool this season.

Let’s take a look at the XI here…

GK: Fraser Forster

A goalkeeper of real quality, many in the Tavern have said Forster has been let down by a poor defence this season.

Though our landlord somewhat agrees, he has explained that Forster hasn’t been his usual self since his return from injury but knows he will be looking to build on his clean sheet last weekend against Hull.

RB: Cedric Soares

The Euro 2016 winner is the regular at right back for Claude Puel’s side and our landlord does not expect that to change here.

A consistent performer for the Saints, Soares will be looking forward to testing himself against Philippe Coutinho, should he return from injury.

CB: Jack Stephens

The next big thing out of Southampton’s academy, Saints fans in the Tavern have been thrilled to see Stephens get a run in the first team.

Of course, the sale of Jose Fonte and injury to Virgil van Dijk has seen Stephens thrust into Claude Puel’s side and although he has shown inexperience at times – our landlord is excited about the prospect of this young man.

CB: Maya Yoshida

A loyal member of the Saints’ squad, Yoshida will likely go to battle with Liverpool’s Divock Origi on Sunday.

The Japanese international has also benefited from the sale of Jose Fonte which has resulted in him starting a lot more games in this second part of the season.

LB: Ryan Bertrand

One of the more valued members of the Southampton squad by the resident Saints in the Tavern, Bertrand has been a steady performer for the side this season.

A battle against Roberto Firmino will be key for both sides when Sunday comes around.

CM: James Ward-Prowse

A real fan favourite among the Saints fans in the Tavern, our landlord expects Ward-Prowse to return to the starting XI in this one.

Perhaps more bizarrely, Claude Puel labelled Ward-Prowse as the ‘ideal son-in-law’ when he was called up to his first England squad.

CM: Steven Davis

The Southampton captain will be looking to stamp his authority on the Liverpool midfield when Sunday comes around.

Davis has been a consistent performer for the Saints in recent seasons, which is a real feat when you consider how many changes are made at the club year upon year.

CM: Oriol Romeu

The former Barcelona and Chelsea centre midfielder has really found a home at Southampton and has contributed with some impressive performances this season.

One man who is very impressed by Romeu is Saints boss, Claude Puel who has said the Spaniard is not far from the standard of PFA Player of the Year, N’Golo Kante.

RM: Nathan Redmond

With a goal already against Liverpool, Redmond will be looking to make a similar impact at Anfield on Sunday.

The former Norwich winger has had a memorable season which saw him earn his first senior England call-up in March.

ST: Manolo Gabbiadini

The main goal threat for Southampton, can Gabbiadini help Southampton cause an upset at Liverpool on Sunday?

Whilst there is no doubt that the Saints look more threatening when he plays, our landlord suggests that Jurgen Klopp will devise a plan to deal with the Italian when the sides meet.

LM: Dusan Tadic

Arguably the Saints’ most talented player, Tadic has been subject to criticism from Southampton fans in the Tavern due to some inconsistent performances this season.

If Tadic turns up on Sunday, our landlord believes Liverpool will have real problems dealing with him.