Chelsea have opened up a two-point gap in the race for top four (having played a game less than Arsenal), but they would want to close the gap on Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City who seem to be in touching distance at the moment. Maurizio Sarri’s men are going to host Southampton at Stamford Bridge and nothing less than three points would do for Chelsea in this game.
Their woes in front of goal are well known and with January transfer window beginning, Sarri could look to make some significant addition to his squad. Until then, he will have to trust the likes of Olivier Giroud and Alvaro Morata to come up with the goods.
Team News
Andreas Christensen and Victor Moses are out due to injury. Pedro is also a doubt for this game. Cesc Fabregas and Gary Cahill were not involved in the matchday squad against Crystal Palace the last time around, and they are unlikely to feature once again as they are linked with moves away in January. Olivier Giroud is also out of the next encounter with an ankle injury.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Southampton
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Kepa Arrizabalaga has done decently in goal, and he should start in between the sticks once again. Sarri is expected to go in with his trusted centre-back pairing of David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger once again. Luiz might be defensively vulnerable on occasions, but he has played a significant part in building up play from the back.
Marcos Alonso is expected to start as a left-back once again. He continues to impress while pushing forward but is susceptible at the back. The ever-present and dependable Cesar Azpilicueta should start down the right.
Midfield
Jorginho is set to continue to play in the deepest role in midfield. Ngolo Kante scored the all-important goal in the last game against the Eagles, and he is likely to start in a more box to box role in midfield. Ross Barkley is expected to be the other midfielder, but Mateo Kovacic can also be included in place of him.
Attack
Chelsea’s every attack seems dependent on Eden Hazard, and he is going to start down the left flank. However, he is going to have a free role in the attacking third, and he would often try to drift into central areas. With Pedro doubtful, Willian is set to keep his place on the right. Alvaro Morata should start upfront.
