For the first time since the May 2014, Liverpool are sitting atop the Premier League and are in scintillating form.
In the last Premier Leaguegame-week, Liverpool hit Watford for six while Southampton missed a spate of chances as they went down to lose at Hull.
Despite that result, Southampton have already proved they are a difficult side to break down this season.
Recent Form
Southampton 3-2 Liverpool (Premier League, 2016)
The last meeting between the two sides in the Premier League saw Liverpool blow a two goal lead.
Liverpool went in at half-time with a comfortable two goal cushion but Southampton hit back,firstly through Sadio Mane.
Graziano Pelle then scored late on to level the game before Sadio Mane scored again to complete a remarkable comeback.
Liverpool have negated the chances of that happening again this season with the Reds snapping up their tormentor in the summer.
Key Battles
Roberto Firmino v Jose Fonte
Liverpool are scoring for fun this season and have already racked up thirty goals, with six of them coming in the last game against Watford.
Southampton meanwhile have been hard to beat this season despite the fact they have lost their last two games. Jose Fonte will be integral to aSouthampton defence that is looking to stop a Liverpool side adding to their goal difference.
The Southampton captain will be up against the spearhead of the Liverpool attack which is likely to be Roberto Firmino.
Dusan Tadic v James Milner
Dusan Tadic has shown glimpses of his talent this season and is currently playing on the right of a Southampton front three.
He will be up against James Milner who will have to do a lot of tracking back to stop Tadic's influential role on the right of the midfield.
Team News
Liverpool's Adam Lallana could miss the game after he was taken off injured during England's game with Spain. Dejan Lovren could also return to the squad after he missed the win over Watford after falling ill.
Danny Ings is out for the seasonwith a long-term injury.
Southampton's Dusan Tadic may require surgery on a broken nose, but could be declared fit to play. He was left with a bloody nose after he was accidentally kicked by Neil Taylor in their game with Wales during the international break.
Predicted Southampton XI: Forster, Yoshida, Fonte, van Dijk, Bertrand, Clasie, Romeu, Davis, Tadic, Austin, Redmond.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Karius, Clyne, Matip, Lovren, Milner, Wijnaldum, Henderson, Can, Mane, Firmino, Coutinho.
Prediction
Southampton were comprehensively beaten in their last home game against Chelsea and now face an equally stern test against top of the table Liverpool.
Liverpool were scoring for fun against Watford before the international break but still managed to concede that customary goal.
Despite a leaky defence, Liverpool's attacking threat may prove too much for theSouthampton defence.
Prediction: Southampton 1-3 Liverpool