In one of the most exciting Premier League fixtures this weekend, Southampton play hosts to table toppers Liverpool at St Mary’s.
The Reds have been in scintillating form so far this term and are the leading scorers in the top flight with 30 goals from 11 matches, a tally boosted by their 6-1 thrashing of Watford less than a fortnight ago – in which they had five different goalscorers.
Meanwhile, Saints went into the international break on less of a high than their opponents on Saturday, as Hull ended their six-match losing run by beating Claude Puel’s men 2-1 at the KCOM Stadium.
However, only Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham have conceded less goals than the south coast outfit (12) this season.
This fixture has provided a number of classic matches over the years – highlighted by last season’s five-goal thriller at St Mary’s.
Liverpool looked to be cruising to a straightforward win when they led 2-0 at the break, but a Sadio Mane-inspired comeback saw Saints secure a brilliant 3-2 victory.
Will we see a repeat this weekend? Here are five key battles that could give us a hint.
Roberto Firmino vs Virgil van Dijk
Firmino has been preferred in attack to Daniel Sturridge this season, and it isn’t hard to see why based on current form.
The Brazilian has scored five league goals, as well as picking up three assists, and links up brilliantly with Sadio Mane, Adam Lallana and Philippe Coutinho.
Meanwhile, Van Dijk has been a colossus at the back for Saints, winning the most aerial duels (4.4) per match of any defender that has made 10 or more Premier League outings this term.
Sadio Mane vs Ryan Bertrand
Many Saints supporters were disappointed when Mane left the club to join Liverpool during the summer but the Senegal international has already proved he’s befitting of the title-chasing standard at Anfield.
The £34million man has been putting in consistently fantastic performances for the Reds and scored six Premier League goals, including two in the 6-1 win against Watford last time out.
Despite the front four’s nomadic format, Mane is likely to come up against left-back Bertrand for much of the game, and if the England international can keep the lively forward quiet, it will help his side pick up a positive result.
Philippe Coutinho vs Oriol Romeu
Along with Firmino and Mane, Coutinho has been in brilliant form to help Liverpool top the Premier League table.
The attacking midfielder has scored five Premier League goals and his interplay with national compatriot Firmino, as well as Mane and Lallana, has been nothing short of sublime.
However, Romeu has arguably been Southampton’s Player of the Season so far at the base of the diamond in midfield, and it will be the Spaniard’s job to mark the Brazilian magician closely.
Charlie Austin vs Joel Matip
While Southampton have been relatively strong at the back, they have struggled to score goals – well, aside from Charlie Austin that is.
The striker is Saints’ main goal threat and has scored eight times in all competitions this term, including a penalty in the 2-1 loss to Hull last time out.
The former QPR man will be up against Matip, who has established himself as one of the most impressive defenders in the Premier League following a summer move from Schalke.
Dusan Tadic vs Jordan Henderson
Although he suffered a broken nose playing for Serbia against Wales during the international break, Tadic is still set to feature on Saturday.
That will be a boost for Claude Puel, who has seen the 27-year-old create 31 chances this term – although incredibly, he is yet to pick up an assist.
While Liverpool’s front four has been running riot, Henderson has provided the defensive support in midfield. He’ll be keeping a close eye on Tadic, knowing that the Serbian has the potential to be a match-winner.
