The visit of Liverpool to St. Mary’s this weekend has many supporters excited about the prospect of two of the league’s most in-form teams doing battle.
Puel’s newly transformed Saints’ side have become the most impressive team in the Premier League due to their ability to prove everyone who doubts them wrong.
Nonetheless, against Liverpool, Puel faces a different animal as the table-toppers have destroyed all before them in recent weeks. Klopp is determined to end the Merseysiders’ abysmal twenty-six-year drought for an all-important league title.
The Saints will be determined to strike back following their defeat to Chelsea in their previous match at St. Mary’s. And the club has proven their worthy status at causing an upset this season – like witnessed against Manchester City and Arsenal.
For the Saints to overcome the Merseysiders, Puel must pick this starting XI and inflict a first defeat for Liverpool since August…
GK: Fraser Forster
Forster will be required to produce yet another world-class performance to keep Liverpool at bay this weekend.
England’s number two is a minor doubt for the contest, but it’s unlikely the Saints’ number one will miss out on such a crucial match.
With the England jersey seemingly up for grabs, this game is the perfect contest to highlight his talent further.
RB: Cedric
The Euro 2016 Champion has maintained his form from the summer and is rarely caught out defensively.
Against Liverpool, Cedric will be tasked with the job of preventing Coutinho having any impact on the match. Cedric has proven his status and should keep Martina out of the first-team.
CB: Virgil Van Dijk
Van Dijk is the most in-form player in the Premier League and could be the next big-name out the door at St.Mary’s.
The duel between Van Dijk and Firmino is a true heavyweight contest, and the winner is likely to walk off the pitch with all three points.
CB: Jose Fonte
Where would the Saints be without their captain fantastic? Fonte continues to produce performances for club and country to the highest of standards.
Rarely does the Portuguese international be shown up by the quality of the opposition and Saturday’s fixture with Liverpool is likely to remain no different. His partnership with Van Dijk will need to be on point.
LB: Sam McQueen
Once again the Southampton academy produces teenage sensations, and McQueen is certainly no different.
Since his debut against Inter Milan in October, the youngster confidence has guided him through some of the league’s toughest fixtures.
His most difficult challenge lays in-store with Mané returning to the South-Coast but it’s not a task he cannot overcome.
CM: Oriel Romeu
Fans were skeptical surrounding the move, but Oriel Romeu has swiftly replaced the gaping hole left by Morgan Schneiderlin.
His man of the match performance against Manchester City showcased the Spaniard’s talent and he will be required to produce something close to that perfect performance once more against Liverpool.
CM: Steven Davis
Every team requires an engine and Davis remains the motor oil that ensures they tick over.
He remains the club’s most consistent performer, and his contribution cannot be understated. Davis’ challenge will be one of the toughest of his career as Liverpool’s midfield is well renowned for their intensity and high-pressing.
CAM: Dusan Tadic
Southampton’s answer to Mesut Ozil – and there’s not many denying the importance the Serbian has been to their success this season.
Liverpool’s weakness is undeniably in defensive and Tadic’s ability to play key passes into Charlie Austin is the team’s most significant way of damaging this fragile defence.
RW: Sofiane Boufal
Boufal has not had the easiest of starts to life in England, but the winger has shown his dangerous side in his brief cameos thus far.
The £16million signing can cause damage to Liverpool’s left-back, a position Klopp continues to find trouble in fielding weekly. His rapid pace perfectly counteracted the departure of Sadio Mané last summer.
LW: Nathan Redmond
Redmond’s big game performances this campaign have proved decisive as the Saints’ aim to compete at the summit of the Premier League once more.
Against Manchester City, Redmond proved his worth and this weekend’s clash with Liverpool would face a similar challenge. Some devastating runs and a contribution in front of goal would be highly welcomed by Saints fans.
ST: Charlie Austin
Austin’s height will cause grave concern for the central-defensive duo of Lovren and Matip. In the absence of Shane Long, Austin will be required to spearhead the Saints’ chances of victory.
Ariel threat remains the England forward’s biggest strength, but the Southampton wingers will be needed to provide Austin with the necessary ammunition to hurt Liverpool.