Southampton return to St. Mary’s tomorrow for a Premier League clash against Chelsea, a week before they meet at Wembley for the FA Cup Semi Final.
Saints need the points more than ever as they find themselves in 18th place and will be looking to make the most of playing in front of the Saints faithful. Chelsea sit in 5th place, but are 10 points off a champions league spot.
Having won the league last season, Chelsea having quite hit the form they did last year. Speculation regarding manager Antonio Conte has surrounded the club all year, and lifelong fan Lewis Lesbirel thinks it is clear that Conte is unhappy.
"“It has been a very disappointing season all in all. There are big problems at the club and that comes from the very top. It’s frustrating for fans as there is no accountability, we don’t know who was responsible for the poor signings that have been made since the end of last season. All we can see is a manager who has become disheartened with the board after not being backed in the transfer market, despite exceeding all expectations last season.“We’ve dropped out of the top 4 with a whimper after failing to kill off countless games this season and look resigned to losing Conte, who is clearly unhappy here. We’ve still got the FA Cup to play for but with our dismal record against the top 4 this season, I can’t see us beating United or Spurs.”"
Despite a poor season for their standards, Chelsea still have had a handful of good performances, and Lewis picks his best players so far.
"“Willian has been excellent recently, and Hazard has had his moments, but undoubtedly our most important player has been N’Golo Kante. He does the work of two players and gives our team vital balance.More from Saints MarchingGrading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 2: ArrivalsGrading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 1: DeparturesIt’s time to talk about Gavin BazunuRain clouds on the horizon? Southampton beat Plymouth ArgyleA lament for Southampton legend James Ward-Prowse“Conte received a lot of stick for the way we played against Man City, but we didn’t have Kante in that game and had we taken the game to them like Liverpool have recently, we might have been heavily beaten. “Obviously, we didn’t try hard enough to get something from the game and that was unforgivable, but it just shows how much Conte values the importance of Kante. I would go as far as to say he is the best in the world at what he does, and If it came down to it, i would rather see Hazard leave the club than him.”"
It is tough to say what both sides approaches will be to this game ahead of the semi-final next Sunday, and Lewis added his thoughts.
"“I think there is all to play for in terms of gaining a mental advantage ahead of the semi-final. Obviously, Southampton’s priority is Premier League survival, so I am expecting a bold performance from them this weekend in particular. They seem to perform better against the better sides, whilst they struggle to win games against those around them, so Saturday will be interesting. A win for Southampton would give them great confidence going into the semi-final, but I think you’ll see a more determined Chelsea side come Wembley, as that is all we have to play for now.”"
Southampton versus Chelsea kicks off as tomorrow’s early game, with a 12:30 PM start.