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Chelsea vs Southampton: Premier League – Opposition Threats

By Alastair Case

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 07: Nathan Redmond of Southampton battles for possession with Eden Hazard of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Chelsea FC at St Mary's Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 07: Nathan Redmond of Southampton battles for possession with Eden Hazard of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Chelsea FC at St Mary's Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
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WATFORD, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Eden Hazard of Chelsea in action during the Premier League match between Watford FC and Chelsea FC at Vicarage Road on December 26, 2018 in Watford, United Kingdom. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
WATFORD, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Eden Hazard of Chelsea in action during the Premier League match between Watford FC and Chelsea FC at Vicarage Road on December 26, 2018 in Watford, United Kingdom. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) /

Eden Hazard

How do you solve a problem like Eden Hazard? The Chelsea attacker has already scored 10 goals in a fruitful campaign, which when coupled with his 9 assists to date, demonstrate Hazard’s credentials as a provider as well as being a lethal finisher. The Belgian has looked unstoppable at times and given his propensity to score goals against Southampton, it could prove a long afternoon for the Southampton defence.

The absence of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from the heart of Southampton’s midfield following the Danish midfielder’s reckless dismissal against Manchester City, could mean that Hazard is afforded even more space to roam than might be normally expected. There will be a reliance on Oriol Romeu and Mario Lemina to track the runs of Hazard as he seeks to exploit the space between the banks of midfielders and defenders.

Saints cannot afford to offer Hazard the space they so generously presented to Felipe Anderson in the West Ham game or one suspects they will be ruthlessly punished. Furthermore, given the youthful inexperience of Southampton’s stand in full backs currently, it will be essential that the midfield track back to give protection against the threat Hazard etc offer.