Chelsea vs Southampton Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | Premier League

Chelsea vs Southampton Preview

• Competition: Premier League.
• Date: Tuesday, February 25.
• Time: 8:15 PM GMT.
• Venue: Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea vs Southampton will take place at Stamford Bridge on Matchday 27 of the ongoing Premier League season in the late kick-off slot on Tuesday, February 25.

The Blues are currently sixth in the table with 43 points from 26 matches. They are just a point off the Champions League spots for next season and will look to close the gap with a good result. However, recent form is not in their favour as the Blues have lost four of their last five matches across competitions, managing just one win. In this run, they scored just five goals and conceded 11 and will need to find some defensive stability. Having lost three-in-a-row to Brighton (2-1, 3-0) and Aston Villa (2-1), they will look to perform better next time out.

The Saints, on the other hand, are rooted to the bottom of the table with just nine points from 26 matches. They are eight off Leicester City above them, and 13 off safety, which makes relegation almost a certainty. However, their recent record is the same as Chelsea's, with four defeats and one win. Southampton have scored four goals and conceded 12 and will need to solidify at the back too. Having lost 4-0 to Brighton last time they will look to prevent another big defeat. On that note, here is the team news from both camps.

Chelsea Team News

Manager Enzo Maresca fielded a strong lineup against Aston Villa and the Blues looked in control of the match in the first half but lost the plot in the second half. Most attackers played well, while the defence was shaky. The manager used just two substitutes, with Trevoh Chalobah picking up a knock, but likely to return in time to face the Saints.

They will be without eight players. Benoit Badiashile (muscle), David Fofana (thigh), Gabriel Slonina (finger), Marc Guiu (hamstring), Nicolas Jackson (thigh), Noni Madueke (hamstring), Romeo Lavia (knock) and Wesley Fofana (hamstring) will all miss out as they continue to recover.

Southampton Team News

Manager Ivan Juric picked a strong lineup for his team's last match which ended in a 4-0 defeat at home. Barring Aaron Ramsdale, most players were subpar, and the manager used five subs as well. Jan Bednarek was subbed off early with a knock but is likely to return to action for the next match.

They will be without four players for their trip to west London. Adam Lallana (hamstring), Ross Stewart (calf), Ryan Fraser (physical discomfort) and Taylor Harwood-Bellis (ankle) will miss out as they continue to recover.

Predicted Lineups

Chelsea Predicted Lineup

Goalkeeper: Filip Jorgensen.

Defenders: Malo Gusto, Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella.

Midfielders: Reece James (C), Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez.

Forwards: Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto.

Southampton Predicted Lineup

Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale.

Defenders: James Bree, Jan Bednarek (C), Joe Aribo.

Midfielders: Kyle Walker-Peters, Lesley Ugochukwu, Matheus Fernandes, Welington.

Forwards: Tyler Dibling, Cameron Archer, Kamaldeen Sulemana.

Chelsea vs Southampton Head-to-Head Record

These two teams have met quite often in the last few seasons and have played in the league as well as English domestic cups. However, the head-to-head is much closer than one would expect. Chelsea have won three of the last five meetings, while Southampton have won two.

Key Players to Watch in Chelsea vs Southampton

Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer has easily been their focal point in attack for the better part of two seasons now. His 14 goals and six assists put him right at the top of the contributors' list for his club. Palmer has netted 14 times from 12.90 xG and will look to improve his conversion rate as we enter the business end of the season. His assists came from 7.04 xA.

Aaron Ramsdale (Southampton)

The former Arsenal shot-stopper will look to recall his wins with his former club against Chelsea ahead of Southampton's match. Ramsdale was the best Saints player on the pitch in their last match despite losing 4-0. If not for his eight spectacular saves, the scoreline would have read like a cricket score. He will be crucial once again in the next game.

Chelsea vs Southampton Prediction

Going by recent head-to-head, this tie could go either way. However, Chelsea have more to lose at this juncture in the season and will give it their all to win this, even if it means they have to dig deep for it.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Southampton.

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