Sunday sees two of the Premier League’s in-form sides play each other when Southampton welcome Chelsea to St Mary’s Stadium.

The Blues have won three matches - convincingly, too - on the trot, while Southampton haven’t tasted defeat for six games in the league.

Antonio Conte’s side are emerging as somewhat surprise title challengers and are currently only a point off the top of the league, while Southampton aren’t far behind in eighth place.

The clash promises to be a tight one as both sides have resilient defences capable of shutting each other out. Chelsea also have the impressive attacking talents of the Premeir League's top scorer Diego Costa and Eden Hazard to call upon, while Southampton boast in-form duo Charlie Austin and Nathan Redmond.

A win for either side would go a long way to helping them achieve their season’s aims, keeping Chelsea well in the title race or boosting Southampton’s hopes of European football.

DIEGO COSTA VS. VIRGIL VAN DIJK

The first battle to whet the appetite is between the league’s best striker so far and arguably its best defender.

Diego Costa is the current top-scorer with seven goals in nine games, while Van Dijk has impressed with his composure in a Southampton defence that has really tightened up in recent weeks.

Claude Puel's side have only conceded two goals in their last five games and it promises to be a fascinating physical duel between Costa and the Dutch giant.

CHARLIE AUSTIN VS. GARY CAHILL

Gary Cahill had a very difficult start to the season. The England international looked hesitant and error-prone until the move to a three-man defence.

Charlie Austin will be looking to exploit any uncertainty around Cahill’s game and add to the four Premier League goals he has already managed so far this campaign.

Austin is strong enough to cause Cahill problems in the air but will also be looking for any chances that arise should the defender have any lapses in concentration.

MARCOS ALONSO VS. CUCO MARTINA

Marcos Alonso has really impressed since breaking into the Chelsea first-team.

The Spaniard, who cost £23m, has nailed down a role on the left-flank in Antonio Conte’s new system and seems to be flourishing.

At times, Alonso acts more like an attacking winger than wing-back, constantly getting forward to fire shots and crosses.

Should Cedric Soares still be injured, Cuco Martina may be played and might well struggle to contain the Chelsea man.

NATHAN REDMOND VS. DAVID LUIZ

As Nathan Redmond showed last week against Manchester City, he is confident and will give plenty of defenders a difficult time this year.

The winger-turned-striker pounced on an errant John Stones backpass to steer home the opening goal at the Etihad Stadium, and continued to be a threat all game long.

While David Luiz has looked much more assured in his second spell at Stamford Bridge, you do wonder if he can clear up the defensive errors that used to plague his game.

If he doesn’t, Redmond will be there to capitalise.

EDEN HAZARD VS. JOSE FONTE

After a little blip last month, Eden Hazard is looking like he might be back to his best.

The Belgian managed two goals and an assist in his first few games but then went missing over the next four. Since Conte changed the formation his prospects have greatly improved, however, and he has scored in back-to-back games.

The new tactics allow Hazard to cut inside and threaten more centrally, meaning Jose Fonte may have to deal with him rather than whoever is playing at right-back.