Players to watch in the Premier League meeting with Southampton

Liverpool return to Premier League action as they make the long trip down to Southampton. The Reds are looking for their tenth win in their opening twelve games.

Liverpool FC v Aston Villa FC - Premier League
Liverpool FC v Aston Villa FC - Premier League | Carl Recine/GettyImages

Liverpool will do battle with Soythampton at the weekend in their return to Premier League action and there will be several players for both clubs that could make an impact on proceedings.

Let's take a look at a few for both sides to watch for.

Southampton

Taylor Harwood-Bellis - Former Man City youth player Harwood-Bellis has been a rare bright spark for Southampton this season, playing all eleven matches and taking many plaudits along the way.

The big man will also be full of personal confidence, having marked his England debut with a superbly taken headed goal. Still just 22, there will no doubt be plenty of transfer interest in the former England under-21s skipper.

Adam Armstrong - With over 100 caps for Southampton, Armstrong is one of the most experienced men in the Saints squad. The striker took a while to earn minutes at the beginning of the season, but two goals in three games look set to earn him another start in this one.

Armstrong has proven to be absolutely prolific in the Championship, with thirty-seven goal contributions last season alone. His Premier League record is far from convincing but his qualities in front of goal are undeniable.

Adam Lallana - Former Liverpool favorite Adam Lallana is back at the club where it all began. The playmaker played over two-hundred times in his first spell here, helping to achieve back-to-back promotions and bring Southampton back to the big time.

Adam Lallana, Joao Gomes
Wolverhampton Wanderers FC v Southampton FC - Premier League | Naomi Baker/GettyImages

Now thirty-six, his best days may be behind him, but Lallana still possesses incredible technical abilities and will always carry a goal threat. He has a pair of assists to his name already and will be looking to shine against former allies.

Wildcard - Tyler Dibling - Tyler Dibling became one of the youngest scorers in Southampton history, when he scored against Ipswich back in late September. The eighteen year-old has played a part in every single league game this season.

The teenage forward also featured in both England under-21 fixtures this week as he continues his progression up the ranks for his country.

Liverpool

Curtis Jones - Toxteth's own Curtis Jones is arguably in the best place he's ever been. The midfielder forced his way into Arne Slot's plans after his winner against Chelsea and a string of fine performances have followed.

Jones earned his first start for England last week and took full advantage. His delightful flicked finish topped a superb debut and he was also impressive against Ireland as he made it consecutive starts for his country.

Mohamed Salah - Salah has arguably been an in-form player for his entire Liverpool career. The mercurial Egyptian became the fastest player in history to reach double figures for goals and assists in Europe's top five leagues as he continues to go from strength to strength.

Mohamed Salah
Liverpool FC v Aston Villa FC - Premier League | Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/GettyImages

He also comes into this game after a much needed rest during the international break and he will be certainly looking to add to his fourteen goal contributions in the league this season.

Conor Bradley - Bradley has routinely provided excellent cover when replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold, including last time out against Aston Villa. With Trent likely to still be nursing his injury, Bradley will be keen to impress and force his way into Slot's future plans.

Like Jones, Bradley was on the scoresheet for his country in the week. The Northern Irish full-back has great qualities at both ends of the pitch and knows how big a part he will play in Liverpool's title challenge.

Wildcard - Harvey Elliott - Elliott has only played ten minutes this season, after suffering a nasty injury in August. The twenty-one year old is back in training however and could certainly earn some vital minutes from the bench in this one.

The youngster truly had a breakthrough season last time out and will be keen to finally get a chance to show his new manager what he can offer.