Even though this fixture had its importance already, Chelsea’s exit from the Champions League had taken it to an even higher level. With one trophy in the pocket and being eliminated from the other, Premier League is the only accolade which is left for the London side to chase.
On the other hand talking about the boys from the South coast, their pursuit of the top 4 has lost steam in the last few weeks. Since that defeat against Swansea in which they were arguably the better side, Southampton have won just 2 of the next 5 losing 2 games in the process. Thus, at a time when it mattered for Southampton to be arrogant, they have been distraught in the last few weeks.
However, even with such bad form of late, Southampton are sitting just 4 points of the 4th spot Manchester United. And the worst is behind them as only Tottenham and Chelsea are the big guns that have to play against them in the remaining 2 months of the season.
Talking about Chelsea and although that ‘’11 kids’’ jibe was painful to handle. More painful was the way they exited from the Champions League. For a team that is known for its defending throughout Europe, Chelsea allowed PSG to return in the game, not once but twice to sink their chances of winning the Champions League this season.
And with their form in the Premier League peaking at the right time with 5 wins in the last 7, Jose Mourinho’s men are looking to celebrate an early title winning campaign this season.
Team news
After serving a 3 match ban due to his reaction against Villa, the Serbian midfielder of the year Nemanja Matic would be available for selection. Talking about absentees and only John Obi Mikel is a long term absentee as the defensive midfielder is still recuperating from his knee injury. He is expected to be fit in the opening stages of April.
While Southampton have had their fair share of injuries this season with players going out at regular intervals, their injury list has leaned a bit in the last fortnight. With an injury to Jay Rodriguez that had him sidelined for the whole season and Mayuka also being sidelined since June, Southampton will travel to the Bridge with most of their first team players intact.
Stats:
• Chelsea have lost just 1 of their last 11 games against Southampton ( Won 6, draws 4)
• Chelsea haven’t lost a single game at home in the Premier League this season. They are the only team in England to have this accolade.
• Southampton are the only team not to concede a penalty in the Premier League this season.
Probable lineups:
Chelsea
Courtois – Zouma – Terry – Azpilicueta – Ivanovic – Fabregas – Matic – Hazard – Oscar – Cuadrado – Costa
Southampton
Forster – Alderweireld – Fonte – Bertrand – Clyne – Schneiderlin – Wanyama – Mane – Elia – Tadic – Pelle.
Chelsea Vs Southampton will take place at the Stamford Bridge on 15th March.
Match Center
Chelsea Vs Southampton: Probable lineups, Preview, Stats, Team news
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