Saints Marching
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Chelsea vs. Southampton: Opposing fan’s view

By Ben King

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 13: Fans leave the stadium during the Premier League match between Southampton and Leicester City at St Mary's Stadium on December 13, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 13: Fans leave the stadium during the Premier League match between Southampton and Leicester City at St Mary's Stadium on December 13, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /
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After the frustration of getting thrashed 4-1 to former manager Claude Puel’s Leicester City team, Southampton need to show a positive response.

The Saints players can thankfully redeem themselves at home, playing back to back games at St. Mary’s. However, the defending champions Chelsea are in town.

Mauricio Pellegrino’s side desperately need a result even with the form of some of the other teams around us.

The Blues have struggled for consistency this season despite being third in the Premier League. With losses to teams like Crystal Palace and West Ham, Mauricio Pellegrino’s side should still have faith.

Chelsea fan James McBride hasn’t been impressed with his team’s season so far. However, he is behind Antonio Conte despite the tensions at the club since the summer.

"“It’s been a disappointing season as we haven’t been able to bridge the gap between ourselves and league leaders Manchester City.“I’m a huge fan of Conte and always have been since he managed the Italian national team. Players like Diego Costa and Nemanja Matic were a problem for the team environment and they weren’t being played to warrant a starting position.”"

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 13: Dusan Tadic of Southampton scores his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Leicester City at St Mary’s Stadium on December 13, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 13: Dusan Tadic of Southampton scores his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Leicester City at St Mary’s Stadium on December 13, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /

Despite the shock defeats and uncharacteristic performances, Eden Hazard has been one of the shining lights for this team. The Belgian has eight goals and four assists this season. Whilst bringing the best out of his teammates including summer signing Alvaro Morata.

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Hazard scored at St Mary’s last season in our 2-0 loss and has recently moved into a role further upfront. With the quality of Chelsea’s squad, there have been other players from last season that have kept up high levels of consistency.

"“I have been impressed by Hazard and his quality in front of goal this year. He has the looks of a top quality striker in him and one that could terrorise defences around the country. I also think that Kane has still perfected his quality as a top DM.”"

Chelsea will have to win against Southampton to keep their slim hopes alive of winning back-to-back league titles.

"“St. Mary’s is a tough place to go at this time of the year and I think this one will end in a narrow 2-1 win for Chelsea. Saints haven’t been in the best of form after their last match and I think Chelsea could exploit the holes left by the Saints defence when the Blues counter.”“I have been impressed by Hazard and his quality in front of goal this year. He has the looks of a top quality striker in him and one that could terrorise defences around the country. I also think that Kante has still perfected his quality as a top defensive-midfielder”"

Southampton plays Chelsea tomorrow at 3pm in the afternoon’s league games with plenty at stake.