Chelsea host Southampton in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night as they look to bounce back after a disappointing run of form. The Saints themselves are struggling of late, but it’s been a familiar story all season.
By Matt Smith
When the two sides met earlier in the campaign, Chelsea secured an emphatic 5-1 victory at St Mary’s Stadium. Southampton could take confidence from the last Premier League fixture they played at Stamford Bridge when James Ward-Prowse’s goal saw them win 1-0.
Chelsea suffer Chalobah blow
Since returning from his loan spell at Crystal Palace, Trevoh Chalobah has played a crucial role for the Blues in defence. The English centre-back was substituted after just eight minutes against Aston Villa last time out due to injury, and Enzo Maresca has now provided an update on his fitness.
The Chelsea boss has confirmed that Chalobah will miss the game against Southampton. The 25-year-old is likely to be out for around seven to 10 days, but thankfully the Blues have a break until their next Premier League fixture.
Maresca needs Palmer firing once again
Cole Palmer’s emergence on the Premier League scene has been special since his move to Chelsea, and the England international has quickly become one of the most talented players in Europe.
Unfortunately for Chelsea, Palmer has endured a difficult few weeks, and subsequently the team’s form as a whole has dropped significantly. Palmer has failed to provide a goal or assist in his last six games, and you get the feeling that the Blues won’t be at their best until Palmer starts producing the magic once again.
Bednarek set to miss out
Like Chalobah, Jan Bednarek was substituted early on in Southampton’s previous fixture. Ivan Jurić confirmed when speaking to the media ahead of this game that the Polish defender will be unavailable, but it’s not thought to be a serious injury.
Jurić also suggested that Flynn Downes will play after the Southampton duo settled their differences. Downes was omitted from the squad over the last few weeks, with Jurić citing an attitude issue.
Fernandes slowly adapting to life in England
Mateus Fernandes has been a shining light for the Saints in what has been a disappointing season after moving from Portugal in the summer transfer window. The 20-year-old has showcased his talent and immense potential during his first few months at the club, but Jurić will want to see more.
Fernandes will be disappointed not to have more goal contributions to his name, and it will be partly down to Jurić to get more of out him by getting him higher up the pitch. The Portuguese midfielder has created 24 chances this season in the Premier League, but only produced two assists.
Prediction
Despite Chelsea’s poor form, it’s difficult to see Southampton getting a result in this one considering they’ve picked up just nine points in the Premier League this season.
We’re going for a comfortable 3-0 victory to Maresca’s side at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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