Southampton vs Chelsea preview, predictions & confirmed team news
Chelsea will be looking to win consecutive Premier League games for the first time this season when they travel to Southampton.
The Blues have endured a difficult start to life under Frank Lampard but are beginning to find some consistency, winning their past three games across all competitions.
That included a 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League last weekend, which remains their only clean sheet of the season so far.
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On the other side of the tie, Southampton have been suffering a minor identity crisis and are yet to really get going in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s first full season on the south coast.
Saints have lost their last three Premier League games including a 3-1 defeat to rivals Bournemouth two weeks ago – a run which followed on from a good draw against Manchester United.
This sees them currently occupying 16th in the Premier League, seven places behind their opponents this weekend.
Read on for our predictions, key players, TV info and team news ahead of Southampton vs Chelsea.
When is Southampton v Chelsea and where can I watch live?
Competition: Premier League
Venue: St Mary’s
Date: Sunday, 6 October
Kick-off: 2:00 PM BST
TV coverage (UK): Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Premier League
Last five meetings: Southampton v Chelsea
02 January 2019: Chelsea 0-0 Southampton (Premier League)
07 October 2018: Southampton 0-3 Chelsea (Premier League)
22 April 2018: Chelsea 2-0 Southampton (FA Cup)
14 April 2018: Southampton 2-3 Chelsea (Premier League)
16 December 2017: Chelsea 1-0 Southampton (Premier League)
Aggregate score: Southampton (DLLLL) 2-9 Chelsea (DWWWW)
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Ones to watch
Southampton: Oriol Romeu
If Southampton are to get something out of this game, they need to control the midfield, and one former Chelsea man could be key for that.
Oriol Romeu spent four years with Chelsea, making 33 appearances and grabbing FA Cup and Champions League winners’ medals on the way. But he has found a home at Southampton, proving a vital cog in the midfield.
Not afraid to put himself about the pitch, the Spaniard is the one to ensure Chelsea’s midfielders have a tough afternoon.
Key stat: Oriol Romeu has made 28 tackles so far in the Premier League this season, more than any other Southampton player.
Chelsea: Fikayo Tomori
Fikayo Tomori had looked like going out on loan before the season started, until David Luiz was sold to Arsenal. But that might have just been the best thing that could have happened to Chelsea – and England.
The centre-back has exceeded expectations, advancing from a squad player to arguably Chelsea’s first-choice defender. The 21-year-old does not look out of place in the Premier League – or Europa League – whether playing in a back three or four.
He has now been rewarded for his fine form with a first England senior call up, tying his future to the Three Lions should he play against Czech Republic or Bulgaria with Nigeria and Canada also possibilities. Expect Tomori to be on top form once again this weekend.
Key stat: Fikayo Tomori has won 81.25% of his total duels in the Premier League so far.
Team news
Southampton
🚨 T E A M S H E E T 🚨
Here's the #SaintsFC side to face #CFC today: pic.twitter.com/1wJjvopvf1
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) October 6, 2019
Chelsea
Here's our team to take on Southampton! 💪#SOUCHE pic.twitter.com/6vQMxqcltF
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 6, 2019
Squawka Prediction
Chelsea are finally finding their feet under Frank Lampard, having won their past three games in all competitions. There may not be a better time for them to face Southampton, with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men having some identity problems while losing their past two games. The Blues should cruise, but always look susceptible to concede.
Scoreline prediction: Southampton 1-3 Chelsea
