Saints Marching
Fansided

Southampton: Saints Hope to Keep Unbeaten Streak Rolling vs Chelsea

By Aaron Preston

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 27: A general view of the stadium prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Chelsea at St Mary's Stadium on February 27, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 27: A general view of the stadium prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Chelsea at St Mary's Stadium on February 27, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Claude Puel’s Southampton will look to keep a nearly seven week Premier League unbeaten streak going as the club host fifth-placed Chelsea tomorrow.

Last week, Southampton weathered their biggest threat since September’s loss to Arsenal, taking a point off of Manchester City at the Etihad on the back of a Nathan Redmond goal in the first half.

Meanwhile, Antonio Conte’s Chelsea decimated opposition Manchester United 4-0 in a marquee match billed as United boss Jose Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge after being sacked from the Blues in December of last year.

On the back of those vastly different performances, each side will look to get a key result as the race to the top of the table heats up. A win for the Saints could put them sixth, dependent upon the result of Everton’s match vs West Ham United tomorrow. A Chelsea victory moves the Blues up a spot to 4th, but a mere one point off a three-way tie for first.

While Southampton have been in fine defensive form the past two months, breaking down their opponents may prove challenging; Chelsea have not conceded a Premier League goal since 16 September, when they lost 2-1 to Liverpool. Since then, the Blues have outscored their opposition 17-3 in all competitions, though they come off a difficult 2-1 loss to West Ham in the EFL Cup.

While Chelsea are flying in attack, Southampton have yet to be beaten at home this season and will be looking to avenge last year’s 2-1 loss to their London-based opponents at St Mary’s. Shane Long scored the Saints’ goal in that outing, but the club will be without his services as he recovers from injury.

Forward Jay Rodriguez is also listed out as he recovers from a facial injury sustained during midweek’s cup tie. On the defensive side, Cédric and Matt Targett remain out with injury, while Ryan Bertrand is listed as a match-day decision.

Saints’ leading scorer Charlie Austin was rested during the midweek action and should earn the start tomorrow, with an in-form Nathan Redmond alongside. Record signing Soufiane Boufal, whose highlight-reel goal propelled Southampton over Sunderland, went the full 90 of that match and is unlikely to start tomorrow. Speaking on Boufal, manager Claude Puel stressed patience as the Moroccan works up to full form and fitness with the club.

“It’s important to stay patient, because he was out of football for five months and it’s important he comes back with a good physical level,” Puel told the club. Addressing Chelsea, the Frenchman said that the upcoming match would be a good test of his club’s form and progress this season.

Next: Preview: Southampton vs. Chelsea

“They [Chelsea] have a fantastic level at the moment…it is interesting to see what we can do,” Puel said.

Last year, the clubs split the difference in their fixtures, with Southampton losing at home but demolishing the Blues 3-1 at Stamford Bridge behind goals from Sadio Mane, Graziano Pelle and Steven Davis. Chelsea lead the all-time series by 39 wins to 30, with 28 draws.

Preston’s Pick: Southampton 1-1 Chelsea