Southampton can take another big step towards progress with a positive result against in-form Chelsea when the Blues visit St. Mary’s on Sunday. The Saints are unbeaten in their last five as manager Claude Puel has continued to impress with his good work, rotating his squad when needed.
Antonio Conte’s men, on the other hand, have turned things around in spectacular fashion and a change of formation by the Italian has proved to be the catalyst for his top players to gel.
The two teams are in a good run of form and thus this clash would be an absorbing tactical battle between the two managers. Let’s take a look at some of the key battles which will influence the game and have a bearing on the final result.
Virgil Van Dijk vs Diego Costa
Diego Costa has scored 7 goals for Chelsea and has looked like the lethal striker the club bought from Atletico Madrid a couple of years ago, even if he has been anonymous in some more major games. There is a lot more menace and less distraction around the Spaniard at the moment, and the goals are proving it.
On Sunday Costa will be up against Virgil Van Dijk, who has been even better with his masterful defensive displays; only Tottenham have a better defensive record than the Saints, with just eight conceded, and he is the driving force behind that. It would be a battle to enjoy between two non-compromising players which will have a huge say on the result.
Charlie Austin Vs David Luiz
Austin has proved to be a vital player up front for the Saints with his goals this season as he leads the scoring charts for his club with 4 goals and would be relishing the chance to play against the David Luiz.
Luiz is the sort of defender who always gives you a chance and it remains to be seen if the Brazilian is able to maintain his concentration for the full 90 minutes or his mistake allows the striker to make full use of the opportunities which will be created as a result. It would be difficult for the visitors to score goals given the impressive defence of the hosts and thus any goal scored by the home side will be of paramount importance.
Oriel Romeu Vs Eden Hazard
A vital cog in the defensive midfield of the Saints Oriel Romeu has topped the charts this season with his excellent midfield policing of his opposition attackers. With Conte employing a 3-4-3, Eden Hazard will be the main threat again having scored 4 goals in the league already.
Romeu will have to contain the threat of the Belgian and with his record of making 3 tackles, 2.8 interceptions and 1 successful clearances each game, the Saint’s midfielder is one capable of doing the job.
