Ronald Koeman believes Liverpool are a more difficult opponent now that new manager Jürgen Klopp has had time to settle in, but he feels there is little between the sides as it stands.
The teams faced each other at Anfield a few weeks ago, playing out a 1-1 draw on October 25, in what was Klopp’s first Barclays Premier League home game in charge.
Koeman thinks the Reds have improved since then, but he remains confident his side has what it takes to overcome them, while he believes it could be small margins that define the game.
"I think the new manager brought a lot of energy, a lot of spirit to the team,” Koeman told youtube.com/southamptonfc.
“I think at the moment it’s more difficult to beat them. They play really offensively and try to play with high pressing.
“We know we have the experience from one month ago against them and I think Liverpool is strong, but Southampton is also strong, and I think they know there is not a big difference between both teams and I think the details are very important for tomorrow.”
Koeman added: "We're looking forward to it, because it's a title that we like to win, at least to reach the semi-final, because that means a home game and one away game and that's the best, but we know first we have to beat Liverpool, and Liverpool are doing well.
“They're strong, a new manager and I think they are full of confidence. We take it very seriously the game of tomorrow and I think the same is for Liverpool.”