Predicted Southampton lineup vs Chelsea - Ten Saints missing

Ahead of the upcoming Southampton vs Chelsea clash in the Premier League, here is our predicted Southampton lineup.

Southampton come up against Chelsea in the Premier League this evening. They are unfortunately without Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Tyler Dibling and Flynn Downes, as all three players are suspended.

In addition to the suspensions, Lesley Ugochukwu is not available for selection. This is due to rules preventing him from playing against his parent club.

Aaron Ramsdale, Gavin Bazunu, Juan Larios, Ross Stewart, Will Smallbone and Adam Lallana are all certainly missing for Southampton too through injury, bringing the confirmed absentees to ten.

What can go wrong - Right?

Predicted Southampton lineup vs Chelsea

GK - Joe Lumley. Played a lot better against Brighton than McCarthy did against Liverpool. He deserves to keep his spot between the sticks.

CB - Nathan Wood. Made two starts for the Saints in the League Cup. He is yet to feature in the Premier League but with Taylor Harwood-Bellis out injured, when needs must.

CB - Jack Stephens. The captain played well against Brighton - He will be handed another consecutive start against Chelsea tonight.

CB - Kyle Walker-Peters. Mr Versatile will be Southampton's saving grace yet again.

RWB - Yukinari Sugawara. Played just over an hour against Brighton, so he should be fresh to operate the right flank against Chelsea.

CM - Mateus Fernandes. Becoming one of the first names on the team sheet for Southampton. He will be key in the midfield yet again in this match.

CM - Joe Aribo. Aribo is one of the most underrated Southampton players, in my opinion. With Downes out of the starting lineup, he will step up to the mark, in all thirds of the pitch.

CM - Ryan Manning. It might not be his best position but Manning has proven he can play anywhere. His versatility will be a key boost for Russell Martin.

LWB - Ryan Fraser. Not his strongest position but when he has the chance, he will push forward. If Southampton are to feed any balls into the two strikers, it will be Fraser who provides them.

ST - Cameron Archer. Started against Brighton and he'll start against Chelsea. He'll be eager to add to his two-goal Premier League tally.

ST - Adam Armstrong. It doesn't take much to be the joint top goal-scorer for Southampton but Armstrong is that. Having played every game in the Premier League, this game will be no different.

Predicted Southampton lineup vs Chelsea: Lumley; Wood, Stephens, Walker-Peters; Sugawara, Fernandes, Aribo, Fraser, Manning; Archer, Armstrong

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