Oscar out, Mata in? Predicted Southampton - Chelsea line-ups and stats preview
Despite going down 2-1 to Everton in the last round, Southampton put in a decent performance. This should lift their spirits as they head into their next game with an inspired Chelsea side that is on the up.
Team News
Southampton
Pablo Osvaldo, Victor Wanyama, and Artur Boruc remain sidelined with injury. Morgan Schneiderlin, meanwhile, returns from suspension.
Chelsea
Marco van Ginkel and Ryan Bertrand are still out injured, while Frank Lampard and Branislav Ivanovic are doubtful after picking up injuries in the last game versus Liverpool. David Luiz is suspended after being booked in the aforementioned game, but Ramires returns after serving a one-game suspension.
Predicted Line-Ups
Southampton
Mauricio Pochettino will no doubt field as strong a side as he can, and will be pleased that a key player like Morgan Schneiderlin is once again available for selection. Gaston Ramirez will hope to sneak into the lineup after his goal-scoring cameo against Everton.
4-2-3-1: Kelvin Davis; Nathaniel Clyne, Jose Fonte, Dejan Lovren, Luke Shaw; Jack Cork, Morgan Schneiderlin; Adam Lallana, Gaston Ramirez, Jay Rodriguez; Rickie Lambert.
Predicted Southampton XI
Chelsea
David Luiz had to play in midfield in Ramires’ absence against Liverpool. With the former suspended, Jose Mourinho will be relieved that the ex Benfica man is once again available. The Portuguese may make a few more changes, particularly in his attack.
4-2-3-1: Petr Cech; Cesar Azpilicueta, Gary Cahill, John Terry, Ashley Cole; John Obi Mikel, Ramires; Eden Hazard, Juan Mata, Andre Schurrle; Fernando Torres.
Predicted Chelsea XI
Recent Form
The Saints haven’t been in the best of form of late following a fine start to the season. They’ve won just one of their last eight games, and lost five.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have started to rack up the wins after a shaky start to their season. They’ve won six of their last nine games, losing just once. It’s a run that sees them sit just two points off first-placed Arsenal in third.
Players to Watch
Southampton: Adam Lallana
The Englishman has impressed hugely for the Saints this season, so much so that he has managed to force his way into the England fold. A tricky playmaker who never stops running, he has created the most chances for his side this season along with young James Ward-Prowse (30) and ranks joint eighth in the league for completed take-on’s (37).
The fact that he is the league’s third most-fouled player (42) says a lot as far as how much of a threat he is in the attacking third. Mourinho will no doubt advise his defenders to keep a close eye on him.
Southampton Chance Creators
Chelsea: Eden Hazard
The Belgian is in fine form at the moment, and ranks as Chelsea’s best player and the league’s fourth-best according to Squawka’s Performance Score rating (676 points) as a result. He is also the league’s second most-fouled player (51) and ranks first for take-on’s (67). He is a very tricky customer. Against a Southampton defence that has kept just one clean sheet in their last 10 games, Hazard will be key.
Chelsea Top Performance Scorers
Prediction
The Saints will battle bravely, and an upset shouldn’t be ruled out, but Mourinho’s men know how to grind out a result, and it’s likely they will do this.
Southampton 1-2 Chelsea