Chelsea would be looking to make it four wins from last four in all competitions when they travel to the South coast to face Southampton in the Premier League.
The Londoners stood out 1-2 winners away to Lille in the Champions League on Wednesday, courtesy of goals from Tammy Abraham and Willian. The previous Premier League game saw Frank Lampard register his first home win as his side beat Brighton 2-0.
Southampton nearly got a point off 10 men Tottenham last time out and had a decent game vs leaders Liverpool as well. The Saints, who are looking to avoid a third consecutive defeat, have looked sharp on occasions but have not had the results they had hoped for. Striker Danny Ings who has a knack of scoring against the top six, is likely to start upfront as Moussa Djenepo still remains sidelined. They sit 14th on the table with 7 points.
Chelsea have been successful in beating the Saints with 4 wins and a draw from the last 5 League games. It was a 0-3 win for the Blues in the fixture last season, in a match which saw midfielder Ross Barkley hit top form with a goal and an assist.
Chelsea are still missing Antonio Rudiger through injury but the English duo of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Reece James were seen back in first team action. Frank Lampard singled out young defender Fikayo Tomori for praise, after the UCL encounter, stating the CB ‘was outstanding’.
Lampard, on the trip to Southampton, “Always a difficult place to go. You have to be tip top. We have to match it at least.”
PREDICTED LINE-UPS:
Southanption’s new signing Moussa Djenepo remains sidelined and Saint’s boss Ralph Hasenhuttl had no return date marked for the Mali international. The Saints might miss him dearly as the winger started life in England in sizzling form. Portuguese defender Cedric also misses out on the game with a calf problem. Danny Ings and Ryan Bertrand are likely to start upfront, with the latter being promoted up the field since early last season.
In-form defender Jannik Vestergaard is expected to start in the CB spots along with likes of Maya Yoshida and Jan Bednarek. Angus Gunn continues his good run of form and is set to start in goal. Hasenhuttl might continue with a 3-4-1-2
Predicted Line-Ups: Gunn, Vestergaard, Yoshida, Bednarek, Bertrand, Hojbjerg(C), Romeu, Ward-Prowse, Boufal, Ings, Redmond 3-4-1-2
Frank Lampard stated N’golo Kante is ‘fine in terms of injury’ and is likely to start the game. Mason Mount will be hoping to continue his good run of form and will probably keep his place. Christian Pulisic, who has been a little frustrated because of lack of minutes, could still find himself only on the bench as Willian continues in the right wing role, after scoring a brilliant volley against Lille two days ago.
Tammy Abraham will most likely start in the striker’s role. The number 9 got his first England call up in nearly two years, thanks to his 7 goals in 3 games prior to the Liverpool game. The English duo of Reece James and Callum Hudson-Odoi are also fit to start.
Predicted Line-Ups: Kepa, Tomori, Christensen, Zouma, Alonso, Jorginho, Kante, Azpilicueta(C), Mount, Abraham, Willian 3-4-3.
Referee: Paul Tierney
Venue: St. Mary’s Stadium, Southampton (32505)
English Premier League, Round 8
Time: 14:00 BST, Sunday
