'We need to make it tough for Liverpool'

Southampton midfielder Flynn Downes says the Saints should watch the way that Liverpool "pick their times" to press and attack in order to make life difficult for Arne Slot's Premier League leaders on Sunday.

"It looks like they are more structured and pick their times better," Downes told BBC Radio Solent. "That's something we need to watch, see how they do it and then hopefully do that against them and make it tough for them."

Southampton sit bottom of the league after 11 games, but Downes believes they have the quality to start climbing the table.

"I know I can do so much more and do so much better,. We are all adjusting to the Premier League and we have new players. That isn't an excuse - it just takes time to build those relationships with players. There have been a few changes in the team and that is tough as a player, but I just want to do the best I can for the team.

"I do feel like I am doing too much running at times. When I watch it back, sometimes I look and you could not do the running and sit back, watch and wait. That's something I want to add to my game.

"I know we are bottom of the table. There is so much to play for. On the training pitch, we know how good we are.

"This season on the pitch, we have not handled setbacks well - when we go 1-0 down. We all feel we are good enough to be in this league and we have just got to show it."

Full commentary of Southampton v Liverpool on BBC Radio 5 Live from 14:00 GMT on Sunday