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Liverpool Fantasy Fan View v Southampton

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Alberto Moreno last played for Spain in May 2014, but his performances for Liverpool have earned a return from the international wilderness.
Alberto Moreno last played for Spain in May 2014, but his performances for Liverpool have earned a return from the international wilderness.
Preview

Liverpool host Southampton at Anfield on Saturday, playing at the now unfamiliar time of 3PM. Before the international break, Jurgen Klopp’s men walloped West Ham and are coming off the back of three consecutive wins in all competitions. What’s more, Coutinho is back from injury, as is Adam Lallana – who could make his first appearance of the season against his former club. Capping off the incredibly intriguing tie is the fact Virgil van Dijk is playing at Anfield for the first time since the summer transfer saga in which Saints denied the Dutchman a Liverpool switch.

READ MORE: How to win money playing fantasy football with Yahoo Daily Fantasy

Key battles

Mo Salah v Virgil van Dijk

On paper and various pre-match infographics, it looks like Salah plays as a conventional right-winger, but the reality is he’s Liverpool’s most advanced forward and the player likely to run in behind the opposition defence. The Egyptian is barely ever on the flank but instead always on the centre-back’s shoulder. This term he has 7 Premier League goals, just one behind Sergio Aguero and Harry Kane. Van Dijk is Southampton’s fastest and most physical centre-back, so will be tasked with halting Liverpool’s incredible summer signing.

Roberto Firmino v Fraser Forster

The Brazilian is a superb footballer but a woeful finisher, while opposition goalkeepers tend to up their levels at Anfield. This term, Firmino only has three goals in 11 PL appearances, one of which was a penalty. Forster’s form for Southampton has seen him dropped from the England squad, so it’ll be key to see which one of these two has the upper hand on Saturday.

Who to pick

Sadio Mane has returned to Liverpool from Senegal duty early with a hamstring issue, but early indications suggest he’ll recover in time for the clash. The 25-year-old started v West Ham after one training session back, suggesting Jurgen Klopp doesn’t mind risking arguably his best player. Mane beats defenders, makes chances, scores and assists when he’s in the side. He averages 5.3 points per game, but at home to a side Liverpool should beat, Mane could better this.

READ MORE: Three forwards you need in your fantasy football team in Gameweek 12

Who to avoid

James Milner. The veteran Englishman has been used heavily in midfield recently, but with the likes of Coutinho and Lallana returning, as well as the improving form of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – we just can’t see him getting the nod. Most likely, Klopp will use Emre Can holding, Gini Wijnaldum to the right and Coutinho to his left at the beginning.

Who to watch

Keep an eye on Alberto Moreno. The Spaniard is one of the first names on the team-sheet and has a tremendous fitness record, meaning he’ll play basically every game. His left-footed delivery is improving too, meaning he should start registering assists soon, too.