A trip to the South Coast has never been an occasion to leave Liverpool fans enthused.

Not only is the long-haul drive a major deterrent, but Southampton have generally been impressive on home soil in the Premier League, which has left many opposition players feeling more of a sinner than a saint upon exit.

As Liverpool shape up to face Mauricio Pellegrino’s men, Jurgen Klopp will be all too aware of the importance that gaining three points holds. But may he be in for an easier task than envisaged?

Since Southampton’s return to the pinnacle of English football in the 2012/13 season, they have developed a well-earned reputation for being a side that is defensively-resolute.

A debut campaign back in the top-flight merited a 14th place finish. Since then, the Saints have been secured 8th (X2), 7th and 6th place finishes.

This impressive stability shown at a consistent rate has ultimately proved to be a double-edged sword for the club, as although their footballing ability has been recognised, players have gone on to seek pastures new, and this mass exodus of talent has held damaging repercussions.

After maintaining their Premier League status five years ago in their comeback year, there was to be no second-season syndrome, as the Saints leaked just 13 league goals at home the following campaign; compared to the 23 shipped the previous year, as they went onto to seal 8th position.

However, this fine form being produced caught the eye of many; which, in turn, has led to a conveyor belt of talent being shipped out of the club.  And these departures have hit Southampton where it hurts most: the defence.

Nathaniel Clyne, Dejan Lovren, Toby Alderweireld, Jose Fonte, Luke Shaw and most recently, of course, Virgil van Dijk have headed for the exit doors; with Liverpool, of course, becoming renowned for being the preferred destination for players to head for.

This has left the Saints with an almighty void to fill in their rearguard.

Despite staring in the face of adversity, courage has been displayed as they have remarkably steadied the ship year after year.

But the recent loss of Van Dijk seems like this may have been one player too many to replace.

The Saints are lurking low in 17th position, just a point above the drop-zone and have conceded 38 goals this season; five more than they leaked in the entirety of their impressive 2014/15 campaign. Defensively they appear frail and this is something which the Merseysiders must exploit.

Liverpool were frustrated by the Saints last term, as Klopp’s men were held to two dour 0-0 stalemates in the league and were then subject to a shock two-legged semi-final defeat in the Carabao Cup. Four games played, zero wins.

This Sunday is an entirely different prospect, though.

The Reds have stolen Southampton’s key asset in Van Dijk; which looks set to provide Liverpool the key to unlock their defensive woes. While for the Saints, it’s back to the drawing board.

Tom Cavilla.