Some landfill indie classics on at St Mary's as the players, and officials, finalise their warm-ups in front of the empty stands.

When will they be filled again?

Southampton have played out back-to-back goalless draws in the Premier League for the first time since October 2018 under Mark Hughes – they have never registered three consecutive goalless draws in their league history.

Liverpool drew 0-0 last time out as well...

Southampton

Danny Ings has been a great signing for the Saints and could well relish this game against his old side.

Interesting that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain makes his first Premier League start of the season against an old club as well.

Image source, BBC Sport

Dennis Ethan: Danny Ings will pretty much fancy this Liverpool central defence tonight

Mark Lawrenson
BBC football expert

I always feel like Southampton are better on the road, but their home form is decent too - the fifth best in the Premier League prior to the latest round of matches.

Liverpool have not been great away this season but I just have a feeling they will get back to winning ways on the south coast.

Prediction: 1-2

Lawro's full predictions v The Farm singer Peter Hooton

Liverpool do have Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams on the bench so Jurgen Klopp hasn't been forced into playing Jordan Henderson in defence tonight. A definite choice.

You'd think with international players it shouldn't make too much difference for them to shift a position or two but we shall see.

You can listen to commentary at the top of the page from 8pm - as far as we know.

There is also a link at the top of the page to the BBC News live page for the Prime Minister's latest announcement.

All bases covered.

Ralph Hasenhuttl says that Che Adams has concussion and Oriol Romeu has a calf injury.

Liverpool

Image source, BBC Sport

The Saints - and most teams, to be honest - have found it tough going against Liverpool of late.

Karen Carney
Former England and Chelsea winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

Even though Liverpool have made changes, they are still very strong.

Southampton have lost their goalkeeper, who has been outstanding, and it is how they react to his absence.

Ben Rogers: No centre backs starting for Liverpool? Is Klopp announcing a lockdown on the penalty area at 8pm that we don’t know about?

Jonathan Spencer: Going with Liverpool’s favourite score line this season... 1-1

Liverpool

Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson to Sky Sports: "We try to win every game we play and the last two draws have been disappointing. We look to get the new year off to a good start.

"Southampton test us every time they play us, they're a fantastic team. We know the threats they have got and we will try and keep them quiet.

"Everyone behind us is coming in close but we'll try and stay top of the table."

That's what you call both sides of the argument!

Image source, BBC Sport

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl makes three changes to the side that started the 0-0 draw against West Ham on 29 December.

Goalkeeper Alex McCarthy is absent after testing positive for coronavirus so Fraser Forster comes in to make his first appearance of the season.

Oriol Romeu and Che Adams are also absent for the hosts meaning that Stuart Armstrong and Ibrahima Diallo both start.

Southampton XI: Forster, Walker-Peters, Bednarek, Stephens, Bertrand, Armstrong, Ward-Prowse, Diallo, Djenepo, Ings, Walcott

Subs: Lewis, Long, Valery, Smallbone, Tella, Vokins, Ramsay, N'Lundulu, Chauke

Image source, BBC Sport

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp makes three changes to the side that drew 0-0 at Newcastle on 30 December.

Curtis Jones, James Milner and Nathaniel Phillips all drop out as Spain midfielder Thiago makes his first start for the Reds since the Merseyside derby on 17 October.

Georginio Wijnaldum and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also come into the side in midfield.

Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Henderson, Fabinho, Robertson, Thiago, Wijnaldum, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Salah, Firmino, Mane.

Subs: Kelleher, Milner, Jones, Minamino, Shaqiri, Origi, R Williams, Phillips, N Williams

Liverpool

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp to Sky Sports: "The plan is to go for three points of course. We know the challenge, it is a big 90 minutes.

"Southampton play 4-4-2, aggressive, brave, you need to play football so I hope Thiago can be influential.

"Jordan Henderson has the experience to play in defence - we need him, he hasn't played there often but he only plays a few yards ahead of it anyway. If he makes a mistake it's my fault.

"I know all about the way they play, it's easy to make a plan against it but hard to play against it."

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Jordan Henderson is playing at the back tonight.

Liverpool

Fraser Forster makes a rare start in goal for the hosts as they make three changes.

Thiago starts for Liverpool, who name no centre-backs at all in their team tonight. Fabinho will presumably be partnered by Jordan Henderson?

We shall see. Full line-ups to come.

Southampton are having a good season of their own, they have Danny Ings back fit and a win tonight would put them level on points with Spurs in fourth.

Will be a tough night for the champions.

Image source, Getty Images