Ronald Koeman is expecting a very different test from Liverpool this weekend than his team have faced in recent games at St Mary’s.

Saints host the Reds without a win in their last four league and cup matches at home, but are set to face an attacking side rather than one that sits deep and tries to defend.

It should make for not only a better match but a greater opportunity for Saints to win.

Koeman said: “It’s all about teams. I don’t expect Liverpool this Sunday in that way to come but we have to know that Swansea and West Ham didn’t come to Southampton to play open and offensive.

“That brings more difficulties for us and we didn’t have really the quality to break it down.

“This Sunday game is totally different but it’s all about the sharpness in the box, all about possibilities.

“It’s normal that strikers like Pelle and Tadic are not always on the highest level but we didn’t have really other players to change and that makes it more difficult.

“I believe in the qualities of the players and I think it’s a good time to score goals and create opportunities than the last games.”

Koeman was asked if he was concerned about what might happen if Saints were to lose to Liverpool but answered in defiant fashion.

“You think I am thinking about losing a game? No way. I am thinking of winning the game. I am not negative thinking,” he insisted.

“I’m surprised they have four points less than we have and to come closer they have to win.

“If they don’t win they don’t come closer.”