Team News: Daniel Sturridge, Mario Balotelli left on Liverpool bench for Southampton trip

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has made three changes to his side for this afternoon's Premier League meeting with Southampton.

Raheem Sterling returns to the starting lineup following the midweek Europa League win against Besiktas, while Dejan Lovren also comes in to face his former club. The third and final Reds change sees Lazar Markovic replace Alberto Moreno at wing-back.

Lovren is not the only player making a return to St Mary's Stadium, however, as Adam Lallana is also handed a start in midfield, although former Saint Rickie Lambert has to make do with a place among the substitutes once more.

Daniel Sturridge and Mario Balotelli are also named on the Liverpool bench, with Jordan Henderson captaining the side for the 10th time in the absence of the injured Steven Gerrard.

Southampton come into this contest sitting four points above their opponents in the league table, and have been handed a further boost by the inclusion of on-loan Benfica midfielder Filip Djuricic for his first start in a Saints shirt.

Left-back Matt Targett also comes into the fold in the second of three changes from the side that played out a goalless draw against West Ham United last time out, with James Ward-Prowse being given the nod over Harrison Reed in midfield.

Southampton XI: Forster; Clyne, Fonte, Yoshida, Targett; Wanyama, Davis, Ward-Prowse; Djuricic, Pelle, Elia Subs: K. Davis, Gardos, Schneiderlin, Gardos, Long, Mane, Tadic, Reed

Liverpool XI: Mignolet; Can, Skrtel, Lovren; Ibe, Henderson, Allen, Markovic; Lallana, Coutinho, Sterling Subs: Ward, Johnson, Toure, Moreno, Lambert, Sturridge, Balotelli

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