It’s back to Premier League action again this weekend, and the punters in the Tavern cannot wait…

Chelsea fans here in the Tavern are most frustrated after being dumped out of the EFL Cup by West Ham in the week, so their clash against Southampton is considered by many to be a must-win game.

Meanwhile, the Saints had a little more luck in the cup – beating Sunderland 1-0 in a pretty close-run affair.

But cup form aside, both of these teams go into this tie having made good starts to the Premier League season. Chelsea will be fresh from their 4-0 demolition of Manchester United at the Bridge whilst Southampton picked up a fantastic point away at the Etihad last weekend.

It’s set to be an explosive tie and even the landlord in the pub has tipped it to be exciting – and he’s an extremely hard man to please indeed!

Ahead of the game, we wanted to look at a handful of players who we think will influence proceedings most.

So with that in mind, here’s 3 players to look out for in Southampton vs Chelsea this weekend…

N’Golo Kante

Perhaps not the most exciting player in Chelsea’s current roster but there is little doubting how important former Leicester City man N’Golo Kante will be going forward.

After a slightly slow start to the season, the Frenchman has really started to show his dominance in midfield, marshalling the defence well and really protecting his back-four.

His performances are always full of running, physicality and aggression, and Claude Puel’s side will find it tough to get through him in the middle-of-the-park.

Dusan Tadic

When Dusan Tadic moved to the South Coast a couple of years ago, it was clear the Saints had a real player on their hands.

But he struggled to find his best form and at times, simply faded into the background. But this season, under Claude Puel, he is the man that is really pulling the strings in the Southampton forward line.

He’s been creative, penetrative and at times, completely unplayable. If Southampton can get him the ball, he will make things happen.

Eden Hazard

At last, we’re finally beginning to see the Eden Hazard we know and love and by god is it good to see him back and scaring defences.

He had a tough season last time out in what was a generally sloppy campaign for the whole of the Chelsea team, but under Antonio Conte – it seems he is finding his best form once again.

Hazard scored just four times last season but after just nine games, he has already matched that this campaign. He could be the man to bring home all three points tomorrow.