Big Preview: Chelsea v Southampton

Article by Chelsea Correspondent Robert Wake

STAMFORD BRIDGE, SUNDAY 1ST DECEMBER 2013, 16:10 (GMT)

Current Form

Third faces fifth in the final Premiership match of the weekend, in what promises to be a fascinating, closely fought encounter at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea, though vulnerable on their travels, have taken 16 points from a possible 18 on their own patch, but were less than convincing in their last home outing against West Brom, needing a late, disputed penalty to salvage a draw. The Saints have won twice on their travels, at West Brom and Liverpool, gaining draws at Manchester United and Stoke, while suffering defeats at Norwich and, most recently Arsenal.

History

In the corresponding fixture last season, Chelsea led 2-0 at the break through Demba Ba and Eden Hazard, before Rickie Lambert and Jason Puncheon drew Southampton level. The Blues won 3-1 at St Mary’s in the league, and also triumphed 5-1 in the FA Cup 3rd round on the south coast. Prior to these meetings, the teams hadn’t faced each other since Mourinho’s previous stint in charge in 2004-05 when Chelsea won home and away en route to the title.

Team News

The visitors may be forced into defensive changes, with injury concerns over both central defender Dejan Lovren and left back Luke Shaw. If unavailable, it is likely that Jos Hooiveld and Steven Davis will deputise for Sunday’s game. Morgan Schneiderlin and Victor Wanyama form a defensive shield in front of the back four, allowing the England trio of Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Jay Rodriguez to provide the cutting edge up front. Chelsea Manager Jose Mourinho has hinted at changes in the attacking third following a lacklustre display in Basel on Tuesday night. This could mean a recall for either or both of Juan Mata and Andre Schurrle, while Fernando Torres is likely to start up front following the midweek injury to Samuel Eto’o.

Prediction

It is becoming increasingly difficult to predict Chelsea’s results at the moment. As good as they were at West Ham last week; they were inexplicably awful in Basel. Their home form has however been solid, and for that reason, I shall, with some trepidation predict a narrow win for The Blues.

Chelsea 2 Southampton 1

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