On many occasions, not only this season, the ambiguous nature of Jurgen Klopp’s side has left many confused and searching for answers regarding the consistency, or rather lack of it, being shown.

‘What Liverpool can we expect today?’

The Reds’ trip to the south coast provides them with a platform to rise to the challenge and send out a statement of intent to the league.

But what are the main questions that need resolving at St Mary’s?

Can Virgil van Dijk deliver when required most? 

Virgil van Dijk enjoyed a dream start to life at Anfield.

A winner against Everton at the Kop end on his Liverpool debut appeared to set the tone for what would be the beginning of a highly successful Liverpool career, though, it hasn’t exactly been plain sailing for the world’s most expensive defender since then.

The following two games in which the former Saints man featured, resulted in two successive defeats against Swansea City and West Bromwich Albion.

Many were quick to point the finger at the Reds’ £75 million signing after the Swansea clash for his defending which arguably led to the hosts’ goal. And Van Dijk didn’t help his case in what was a poor individual and collective performance as the Reds crashed out of the FA Cup.

While these accusations seem highly premature and somewhat unjustified, with a record-breaking price tag comes even higher expectations.

Southampton- a club that Liverpool’s prize asset is well accustomed to- is the perfect opposition for Van Dijk to demonstrate his undoubted quality.

Have Liverpool learnt their lesson? 

12 points dropped in the league this season from winning positions suggests that Liverpool’s downfall lies with their inability to see games out. 45 points dropped in the league since Klopp took charge- more than any other side in Europe- suggests that this issue requires serious attention.

Sunday’s opponents know all too well of the Red’s vulnerabilities in this department, as in Klopp’s first season at the club (15/16), Liverpool threw away wins both home and away against the Saints.

At Anfield, Christian Benteke’s late goal looked to be a match-winner, until the now Liverpool man, Sadio Mane, struck with minutes to spare.

It was the Senegalese winger who would cause the Reds more pain in the return fixture at St Mary’s, as he scored a brace which helped the Saints overturn a two-goal deficit to reign 3-2 victors.

Will Liverpool put their past behind them, or will they show that, once more, their biggest enemy is themselves?

Saints or sinners? 

Southampton fans could well be out of breath by the full-time whistle.

With as many as five of their former stars likely to feature for the Reds (not including the injured Nathaniel Clyne), it’s likely there will be a toxic atmosphere.

Can  the players respond to this, though, or will the occasion get the better of them?

Dejan Lovren, Adam Lallana and Sadio Mane have already experienced this hostility, but for Van Dijk, playing in this baptism of fire is likely to cause the Dutchman to endure an afternoon to either remember or forget.

Their mettle will be tested; but focus has to remain fixated on obtaining three points.

Will Liverpool keep chase or fall short of their rivals ? 

While Liverpool are very much masters of their own destiny on Sunday, there are other games they have no control over, but will be keeping a steady eye on.

One of those matches was this weekend’s North-London derby between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal; two of the Reds’ closest competitors. Mauricio Pochettino’s men were 1-0 victors and are now one point ahead of the Merseysiders.

A draw would, of course, have played into Liverpool’s hands, allowing Klopp’s men to open up some space between them and their rivals; meaning a win at Southampton is of paramount importance.

Elsewhere, on Monday Chelsea face bottom of the league West Brom at home. This, on paper, may appear a walk in the park, though, you only have to look at the Reds’ two failed attempts to defeat Alan Pardew’s men at Anfield this season and the Blues’ patchy form, to suggest that the unthinkable is not an absolute write-off.

Capitalising is key for Klopp and Liverpool, as the Premier League season approaches its climax; the margin for error reduces each week.

Tom Cavilla.