The Blues will host Southampton at Stamford Bridge after a morale-boosting 2-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.
Heading into the encounter, Frank Lampard’s side had lost 4 of their last 5 Premier League meetings but the Englishman managed to get one over his former manager Jose Mourinho, as the West London side, led by the enigmatic Brazilian Willian produced a stunning display to consolidate their position inside the top 4 of the Premier League table.
On the other hand, Southampton will look to continue their recent resurgence as they aim to steer further clear of the drop zone to avoid relegation. English forward Danny Ings has spearheaded the Saints over recent weeks and the 27-year-old is playing some the best football of his career under Ralph Hasenhuttl, with 11 Premier League goals to his name already this campaign.
Two sides on opposite ends of the table are set to go head to head on Boxing Day and this game promises to be an exciting affair, as two managers with attacking philosophies will look to get the better of another.
Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic has been one of Chelsea’s best players this season but he will serve a one-match ban for accumulating 5 yellow cards this season and Chelsea will have to make do in his absence. Chelsea midfield duo of N’Golo Kante and Jorginho are expected to start in the center of the park, with Mason Mount stationed as the playmaker in the number 10 role.
English forward Tammy Abraham will lead the line as usual, and the 22-year-old is expected to be joined up front by Willian and Callum Hudson-Odoi, who could be drafted into the starting eleven as Lampard looks to bring about a few changes in his side.
Spanish right back Cesar Azplicueta also picked up a knock against Spurs at the weekend and he is set to be assessed just ahead of the game.
Chelsea’s Predicted Starting Eleven: Kepa Arrizalabaga, Reece James, Fikayo Tomori, Kurt Zouma, Marcos Alonso, N’Golo Kante, Jorginho, Mason Mount, Willian, Tammy Abraham, Callum Hudson-Odoi.
