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Southampton vs. Chelsea: Pre-match talking points – 07/10/18

By Joe Mcindoe

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 22: Gary Cahill of Chelsea embraces Charlie Austin of Southampton following The Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Chelsea and Southampton at Wembley Stadium on April 22, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 22: Gary Cahill of Chelsea embraces Charlie Austin of Southampton following The Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Chelsea and Southampton at Wembley Stadium on April 22, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /
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WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Maya Yoshida of Southampton during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton FC at Molineux on September 29, 2018 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Lynne Cameron/Getty Images)
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Maya Yoshida of Southampton during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton FC at Molineux on September 29, 2018 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Lynne Cameron/Getty Images) /

Time to ring in the changes?

Tuesday night’s victory at Everton saw a new look defence take the field. With Maya Yoshida, Jan Bednarek, Jack Stephens, Matt Targett, and Angus Gunn taking up their respective positions, Cédric Soares was the only regular face at the back.

Despite the change of personnel, the players acquitted themselves well appearing to be reasonably solid whilst dealing with balls into the box. Though, Saints still gave up the odd free header and Yoshida made his customary mistake overall, things felt more assured.

Speaking ahead of the cup clash, the gaffer had indicated that he saw the contest as an opportunity for the players to impress, and with the first win at Goodison Park since 1997 his charges have certainly managed that.

With the first team centre-backs looking particularly fragile, it would not be overly surprising to see one or both replaced. A complete CB overall might appear a tad extreme, but given the weak presence of the starters something must change. What the team lacks in outright star quality, it makes up for in squad depth.

While the likes of Bednarek and Stephens may not be the best in the world, you would expect them to come into the line-up with a fresh sense of confidence. Given that SFC’s woes have stemmed from mental fragility as much as physical, confidence may yet be everything.