Two clubs chasing the 2014-15 Premier League title will do battle today in a league match between Liverpool and Southampton. The first-division clash scheduled for 8:30 a.m. ET will be held at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool and can be live streamed here free. Additional TV coverage can be found on NBC Sports.

Though Liverpool have spent the summer transfer window pillaging Southampton's roster, with Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert leading the way, it's one of their own that will be heavily relied upon this season. For manager Brendan Rodgers, Raheem Sterling's ability is ready to reach new heights.

"Something we said to Raheem when he first broke into the team and something we've reiterated, is that you have to have an identity as a player," Rodgers said (via the Guardian). "The identity he has is to score goals and create goals. That's what the job is. He scored 10 goals last year and this kid is only going to get better. When you're so young, it's important to understand exactly what your role is, not just look good. You have to be efficient and effective. His development has gone to a new level. He's way above the level from when he first came in."

"Tactically, technically and what has been beautiful to watch with Raheem has been his maturity," he added. "He's turning into a beautiful young man, with all the responsibility. He's taking it all in his stride and now he's in a good place with every part of his game. It's just about maintaining that commitment to his work. He's still only 19, but in big games he's performed and he's a wonderful talent."

Liverpool will need another strong performance from their youngster to kickstart the season with a victory.

Tactical Preview

Player to Watch: One of the Southampton players projected to face his former side is center-back Dejan Lovren. The 25-year-old made 31 appearances for the club last season, averaging 7.7 clearances and 2.7 interceptions per match.

Liverpool's Projected Lineup (4-3-3): Mignolet; Johnson, Lovren, Skrtel, Manquillo; Can, Gerrard, Henderson; Sterling, Sturridge, Coutinho

Southampton's Projected Lineup (4-3-3): Forster; Bertrand, Yoshida, Fonte, Clyne; Cork, Wanyama, Taider; Tadic, Pelle, Davis

Note: Credit all statistics to officially licensed data from Opta Sports (statistics and lineups via WhoScored).

Standings

RnkTeamMPWDLGFGA+/-Pts
1Arsenal11002113
1Swansea City11002113
3Aston Villa11001013
3Hull City11001013
3Tottenham Hotspur11001013
6Everton10102201
6Leicester City10102201
6Sunderland10102201
6West Bromwich Albion10102201
10Burnley00000000
10Chelsea00000000
10Liverpool00000000
10Manchester City00000000
10Newcastle United00000000
10Southampton00000000
16Crystal Palace100112-10
16Manchester United100112-10
18Queens Park Rangers100101-10
18Stoke City100101-10
18West Ham United100101-10