Southampton will be heading to a tough fixture against Chelsea this weekend and given their current performance in the season, Southampton have absolutely no reason to believe that they cannot win this game. Claude Puel started with a relatively young and B team against Sunderland in the midweek and they still produced the desired result.
Southampton are currently in the 8th position with 13 points from 9 games and just 1 point below Manchester United. Their last game saw a very composed performance from Puel’s men at the Etihad stadium, where City remained unable to break their defence. Any further slip up from Mourinho’s men will take Southampton in the top half.
Southampton have a decent record at home having 8 points from 4 games and will be looking for a win when they face Chelsea this weekend. Southampton are currently without left back Ryan Bertrand and right back Cedric Soares. The right wing midfielder Jeremy Pied is also out after undergoing a knee operation.
Defence
Fraser Forster is expected to start between the sticks. With the English international being rested by Puel in the midweek and replaced by McCarthy, he will be more than fit for the game.
Right-back Cedric Soares is out with an injury, which means that Cuco Martina will continue in that position. Puel also has Yoshida in that position who started in the midweek.
Jose Fonte will definitely make his way to the starting XI. Virgil van Dijk has been very impressive at the back and he will start the game too.
Sam McQueen was used in the midweek match but given his young age, he has plenty in his tank to start against Chelsea.
