Chelsea have had a strong recent record against Southampton, including a dominant 5-1 win over the Saints in December at St Mary’s. However, Southampton’s last visit to Stamford Bridge in February 2023 ended in a surprising 1-0 victory for the South Coast side.
Current Form (All Competitions):
Both Chelsea and Southampton have faced challenges in recent weeks, with contrasting performances shaping their respective seasons. Chelsea has struggled to maintain consistency, suffering back-to-back losses, while Southampton’s dire form continues to see them languishing near the bottom of the Premier League table.
With relegation looming for the Saints, and Chelsea striving to get back on track, the pressure is on for both teams to improve their fortunes. Let’s take a closer look at their recent form across all competitions.
Chelsea Form
The Blues have struggled in recent weeks, suffering a third consecutive loss in all competitions following a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa. Their form in the Premier League has been inconsistent, with three losses in their last five games. They have managed to win three of their last four matches at Stamford Bridge.
Southampton Form
The Saints are enduring a dire season, having lost eight consecutive matches in the Premier League, most recently suffering a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Brighton. Their form across all competitions has been poor, with only one win in their last 16 league outings. Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League appears inevitable.
How to Watch Chelsea vs Southampton
The upcoming Premier League clash between Chelsea and Southampton is set to be an exciting matchup, and fans across the globe will be eager to tune in. If you’re looking to catch the action live, here’s how you can watch the game in different regions:
Watch from United Kingdom
In the UK, the match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1. Additionally, you can catch all the action with TNT Sports Ultimate, ensuring that you don’t miss any of the thrilling moments from Stamford Bridge.
Watch from United States
For those tuning in from the United States, the game will be available to stream on Peacock. The streaming service provides an easy way for fans to watch the match from the comfort of their homes or on the go.
Whether you’re in the UK or the US, there’s no excuse to miss out on this Premier League encounter between two teams with everything to play for. Be sure to mark your calendars and enjoy the game!
Team News
As both Chelsea and Southampton prepare for their upcoming Premier League clash, both teams are grappling with a number of injuries and suspensions that could have a significant impact on their lineup and tactics.
With key players missing from both sides, this match could feature some unexpected shifts in team composition. Let’s take a closer look at the current team news for both clubs ahead of the game.
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea is facing a challenging time with several crucial players sidelined due to injury and suspension. Trevoh Chalobah is unlikely to feature, as he is struggling with a back issue that has kept him out of recent action.
The Blues’ defensive options are further limited by the absence of Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, and Romeo Lavia, all of whom are out with long-term injuries. In attack, Chelsea will miss the presence of Nicolas Jackson, who is also unavailable for selection due to injury.
Additionally, Mykhaylo Mudryk will be absent as he serves a suspension after failing his dopping test. Despite a costly error in Chelsea’s recent loss to Aston Villa, goalkeeper Jorgensen is expected to retain his place in the starting XI.
As for Reece James, the versatile full-back may be rested after playing the full 90 minutes in Chelsea’s last outing, which could give an opportunity for others to step in and fill the void.
Southampton Team News
Southampton is also dealing with its own set of injury issues ahead of the match. Defender Jan Bednarek is a major concern after picking up a knock during their heavy 4-0 loss to Brighton. He has undergone a scan to determine the extent of the injury, and his involvement in the game is in doubt.
Similarly, Taylor Harwood-Bellis is another defensive concern with an ankle issue, and Jack Stephens, who has just returned from injury, is struggling with a muscle problem.
The Saints will also be without a few other key players for this fixture. Ross Stewart, Ryan Fraser, and Adam Lallana remain unavailable due to ongoing injuries, further depleting Southampton’s squad depth. Additionally, Lesley Ugochukwu, who is currently on loan at Southampton, will be ineligible to face his parent club, Chelsea.
Both teams will have to adapt to their missing personnel, and it will be interesting to see how their managers adjust their strategies to cope with these absences. With injuries and suspensions disrupting their plans, the battle on the pitch is set to be even more intense as both sides look to secure crucial points.
Expected Lineup
As both Chelsea and Southampton prepare to face off in what promises to be an intriguing Premier League encounter, the respective managers will be looking to field their best possible lineup despite a number of injuries and suspensions.
With key players missing, both teams will be forced to adjust their tactics and personnel to ensure they have the best chance of securing a positive result. Here’s a closer look at the expected lineups for both sides.
Chelsea Expected Lineup
In Chelsea’s expected lineup, goalkeeper Jorgensen will continue between the sticks despite recent criticism following his mistake in the loss to Aston Villa.
The defense will feature a back four with the pacey Malo Gusto at right-back, and the solid pairing of Tosin Adarabioyo and Levi Colwill in central defense. Marc Cucurella will likely start at left-back, adding width and defensive stability.
In midfield, the Blues will rely on the experienced duo of Harvey Dewsbury-Hall and Moisés Caicedo to provide the necessary protection for the defense and transition the ball forward. Both players will need to deliver defensively and contribute to the team’s buildup play if Chelsea is to control possession.
The attacking midfield trio will be key for Chelsea’s creativity. Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, and Jadon Sancho will be tasked with supplying the attack and creating opportunities for the lone striker, Neto.
Palmer, known for his technical ability, will be essential in linking the play, while Fernandez’s vision and passing will be vital in unlocking Southampton’s defense. Sancho, with his pace and dribbling skills, will look to provide direct threats on goal.
Leading the attack will be Brazilian forward Neto, who will hope to capitalize on any chances that come his way, looking to be Chelsea’s main goal-scoring threat in this match.
Chelsea predicted (4-2-3-1 formation): Jorgensen; Gusto, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella; Dewsbury-Hall, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernandez, Sancho; Neto.
Southampton Expected Lineup
For Southampton, manager Nathan Jones is expected to go with a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Aaron Ramsdale starting in goal. Ramsdale has been solid for the Saints and will be crucial in keeping out Chelsea’s attacking players.
In defense, Southampton will rely on Aribo and the powerful Bella-Kotchap as the center-back pairing, with both players needing to stay tight on Chelsea’s attackers and win aerial duels. On the flanks, the more experienced Kyle Walker-Peters will play at right-back, while James Bree will offer defensive solidity on the left.
In midfield, Southampon’s defensive setup will be crucial. Ao Tanaka will partner with Gronbaek in the middle, with both tasked with breaking up Chelsea’s attacking play and dictating the tempo for the Saints. Smallbone will likely play in a more advanced midfield role, providing creativity and support to the forward line.
The attacking trio for Southampton will feature the skillful and pacey Sulemana on the left, with the towering Onuachu leading the line as the primary goal threat. Sulemana will look to stretch the Chelsea defense and create opportunities for Onuachu to capitalize on, while Fernandes will look to make incisive runs and contribute to both the attack and defensive work.
Southampton Predicted (4-2-3-1 formation): Ramsdale; Aribo, Bella-Kotchap, Bree; Sugawara, Gronbaek, Smallbone, Walker-Peters; Fernandes; Onuachu, Sulemana.
Prediction
Despite Chelsea’s recent struggles, they should have more than enough to secure a comfortable victory at home against a Southampton side that has been woeful this season. The Saints’ depleted defense will likely be overwhelmed by Chelsea’s attacking options, leading to a 4-0 win for the Blues.