We could get to experience a Super Sunday classic when Chelsea travel to St. Mary’s to take on Claude Puel’s Southampton who are in a brilliant form of late. The Saints have lost just one of their last ten games in all competitions which was a narrow 1-0 loss against Italian giants Inter Milan in the Europa League. Southampton were the better of the two sides for major parts of the game but failed to make their dominance transform into a goal.
Both Southampton and Chelsea produced excellent results last weekend. Southampton held league leaders Manchester City to a 1-1 stalemate while Chelsea thrashed Manchester United 4-0. However, the joy did not last long for the Blues as they were ousted from the League Cup in the midweek with a 2-1 loss against West Ham. Claude Puel’s side were victorious in the midweek, though, as they defeated David Moyes’ Sunderland 1-0 despite Puel rotating almost the full squad of his.
The game promises to be a close but an entertaining game and we have to wait and see who comes out on top. Chelsea have won all their last three Premier League games without conceding a single goal since losing 3-0 in the hands of bitter rivals Arsenal and start as slight favourites.
Team news
Southampton
Former Chelsea left-back Ryan Bertrand could return from a hamstring injury for Southampton. Striker Jay Rodriguez is a doubt after a head injury against Sunderland. Fellow striker Shane Long is still out with a hamstring problem. Matt Targett remains out while Jeremy Pied could miss the whole season.
Chelsea
Defender Branislav Ivanovic is available again after his comeback from injury while Kurt Zouma is nearing a return from his long-term knee injury. However, playmaker Cesc Fabregas (thigh) remains out.
Predicted lineups
Southampton (4-3-3): Forster; Martina, Fonte, Van Dijk, Bertrand; Clasie, Romeu, Davis; Redmond, Austin, Tadic.
Chelsea (3-4-3): Courtois; Azpilicueta, Cahill, Luiz; Moses, Matic, Kante, Alonso; Pedro, Costa, Hazard.
Key players
Southampton- Charlie Austin
Austin has been the main man for Southampton this season up front. The Englishman has already scored seven goals in all competitions this season and will be looking to add to his tally. He will be fresh for the game after being rested in the midweek.
Chelsea- Eden Hazard
The Belgian winger was criticised heavily for his poor last season and was one of the biggest reason behind Chelsea’s toothless performances last season. However, a player of his calibre has what it takes to come back to his best and help the team. Hazard has been amazing this season having scored four Premier League goals already this season and will be a player to watch out for against Southampton.
Odds
Southampton win @9/4
Draw @47/20
Chelsea win @7/5
