Considering the talent on show and the styles of both sides, Southampton v Liverpool is always going to be an exciting encounter, however, it is a fixture which has taken on further significance over the past few seasons.

The Reds have almost become a parody of themselves in terms of their recent transfer dealings, repeatedly returning to the South Coast for their summer signings, having spent just shy of £100m on players from St. Mary’s since the Saints returned to the Premier League.

The Merseysider’s tendency to continuously poach the brightest talent from the Saints, such as Adam Lallana and Saido Mane, has created somewhat of a rivalry between the two sets of fans, something which can only add to the game.

Furthermore, Southampton’s rise as a club in the top flight over the last five years, taking them above Liverpool and into the Europa League slots last season, has meant that there is more than just bragging rights on offer at the weekend, it is a game that really matters come the end of the season.

With that in mind, who are the ones to watch on Saturday? Shoot! takes a look…

Virgil van Dijk v Roberto Firmino

Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

Netherlands international Virgil van Dijk has been a revelation since arriving at St. Mary’s last summer, and hasn’t missed a minute of Premier League football since his move from Celtic.

On the other hand, Roberto Firmino is enjoying a flying start to the season for the Reds, having bagged five goals and as many assists in ten Premier League outings so far. However, Saints fans will be confident that if anyone in the league can keep the Brazilian quiet, it’s their Dutch defender.

Nathan Redmond v Philippe Coutinho

The former Norwich man has been a livewire for Saints so far this season, often at the heart of all positive moves going forward. Although his finishing could do with some work, fans are beggining to sense that the England U21 international is begging to grow further into his new role.

One man who has more than benefitted from Jurgen Klopp’s style at Liverpool is Philippe Coutinho, who has an identical record to teammate Firmino (five goals and assits in 11). Both Redmond and his Liverpool counterpart will need to be on fire this weekend should they want to prevail with three points.

Charlie Austin v Dejan Lovren

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

Dejan Lovren is a man not much liked at St. Mary’s, such was the manner in which he left for Anfield after just one season on the South Coast. After a disappointing start to life at Liverpool the Croatia international seems to have found his feet and is begging to pay back that whopping £20m price tag.

However, the former Saint will have a tough task on his hands this weekend dealing with the main man at St. Mary’s this season, Charlie Austin. The former QPR striker, who only managed one goal for Ronald Koeman’s Southampton side last season having arrived in January has supplied a much better return this term, bagging himself five goals in ten Premier League outings.