It’s been a pretty impressive season for Chelsea so far judging by how the Blues started with a deflating 4-0 defeat at Old Trafford and now to England calling up the trio of Mason Mount, Fikayo Tomori and Tammy Abraham for the Euro qualifiers next week.
If Abraham is to break into the Three Lions’ first eleven, he must outshine Tottenham Number 9 Harry Kane and when is the best time to get to that task if not right before the international break at St Mary’s where the homers are going through an unpleasant patch.
Southampton started the new Premier League campaign in torrid fashion as they were beaten 3-0 away to Burnley, but things improved considerably in gameweek 2 as they were narrowly beaten by Liverpool.
The situation continued to improve as Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side went on a 3 match unbeaten streak, but the last few weeks have seen a downturn in form. Losses to Bournemouth and Spurs have pushed them down to 14th in the table, and they face a very difficult run of fixtures now.
This could turn out to be a goal-fest.
Team News
Southampton
Moussa Djenepo and Cédric Soares are ruled out for Southampton for their welcome of Chelsea.
Alex McCarthy and Cedric Soares will be assessed, with James Ward-Prowse potentially starting on the right for Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side.
Indeed, the Saints boss could name the same XI that started the 2-1 defeat to Tottenham last weekend, though Che Adams will hope to play some part having not been part of the squad.
Chelsea
Cesar Azpilicueta will be fretting for his starting spot at right-back after Reece James featured from the off in Lille, though after a lenghty layoff, Frank Lampard may resist the temptation to use the youngster.
Lampard could make a sole change from the side that started against Brighton, with N’Golo Kante coming in for Ross Barkley in midfield.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Antonio Rudiger and Emerson all sit this one out.
Match Facts
Southampton have scored in all but 1 of their Premier League matches this season, with 4 of their 7 outings seeing at least 3 goals scored.
Frank Lampard’s side have scored 14 goals in 7 games but have shipped 13 at the other end. Only Manchester City have seen more goals than Chelsea this season.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Chelsea’s last 3 away games in the Premier League.
The hosts have also lost 2 of their 3 home games.
Head-to-head
The Saints have only won 2 of their last 20 Premier League meetings with Chelsea and have lost 12 times, including 6 of the last 7.
Chelsea have won their last 4 away matches against Southampton in all competitions.
Chelsea have kept a clean sheet in 5 of their last 7 matches against Southampton in all competitions.
Chelsea have scored at least 2 goals in their last 4 away matches against Southampton in all competitions.
Prediction
This game could turn into a thriller with Chelsea fully equipped to take advantage of a leaky Southampton defense.
Tip: Chelsea to win or over 2.5 goals
