Chelsea vs. Southampton: Preview and Predictions
Southampton visit Stamford Bridge at 7:45 pm in Tuesday’s only Premier League fixture looking to derail the league leaders’ title aspirations.
The two teams go into the game with indifferent form – Chelsea have lost twice in their last five games. Southampton meanwhile have managed just the two wins from their previous five matches.
The Saints are still setting their sights firmly on West Brom to move into eighth place with their two games in hand. Chelsea meanwhile are the league leaders and deservedly so. A recent blip with losses to Crystal Palace and Manchester United may have given Tottenham some hope that the title is not already won.
Follow Saints Marching on Twitter!
Why Chelsea will win
Chelsea are the clear favourite for this forthcoming match. Having stood at the top of the table for the majority of the season and having the tactically astute Conte at the helm, many would struggle to see a different outcome.
After a dismal season last time out they have come back this year with a new manager, new shape and a new hunger. Conte has changed to a 3-4-3 shape and has got every player firing. As seen in the FA Cup at the weekend when leaving out his star players in Costa and Hazard. The likes of Willian and Matic stepped up to blow Tottenham away in a 4-2 win despite being arguably second best for the majority of the match.
Chelsea have proved that even when not at their best, they are a force to be reckoned with, something Southampton must prepare for come Tuesday night.
Why Southampton will win
Despite the indifferent form, Southampton have the ability to stand toe to toe with the big guns. The Saints possess a team which has the ability to control the game and devastate on the counter attack, consistency is what they lack.
Southampton’s biggest threat comes with the pace available when moving forward, Redmond, Cedric and the Stamford Bridge-returning Ryan Bertrand have blistering pace on the counter. This may be the key to unlocking the back three of Chelsea.
The return of former Chelsea midefielder Oriol Romeu will be a huge boost. It has been proven by Jose Mourinho and Ander Herrera that man-marking Eden Hazard is an effective way to nullify his impact on games. It will be upon Romeu to ensure he doesn’t get the space he so craves.
Chelsea Predicted XI
Goalkeeper – Thibaut Courtois
Defenders – Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Gary Cahill
Midfielders – Victor Moses, N’Golo Kante, Nemanja Matic, Marcos Alonso
Forwards – Willian, Diego Costa, Eden Hazard
Southampton Predicted XI
Goalkeeper – Fraser Forster
Defenders – Cedric Soares, Jack Stephens, Maya Yoshida, Ryan Bertrand
Midfielders – Oriol Romeu, Steven Davis, James Ward-Prowse, Dusan Tadic, Nathan Redmond
Forwards – Manolo Gabbiadini
The Verdict
Chelsea have proven time and time again this season that they mean business. When they need a result they will grind one out. It will take something special for Southampton to get anything out of this game. It is reliant that the game plan works 100% and every player gives their all on the pitch.
Despite that, I believe it will be a close game, but if Chelsea take the lead I don’t see a way back in for Southampton.
Chelsea 2-1 Southampton