Chelsea have endured a difficult, disappointing season and a host of factors are responsible for that. Antonio Conte’s season has been extremely inconsistent, as the Blues have managed only three league wins in 2018. They have fallen rather drastically in the table and currently sit in the fifth position with as many as ten points separating them and fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.
They will face Southampton, who themselves are in the relegation zone and hence this tie would carry utmost importance for both the teams. Here we look at three key battles that can decide the outcome of this match:
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Charlie Austin vs Andreas Christensen:
Charlie Austin (yeah, the man who saves Southampton’s blushes EVERY SINGLE TIME) has made his comeback from an injury after a long layoff of around three months. Austin was very impressive before his prolonged injury trouble and even scored in the last match, which was his second game since returning. Austin is physically imposing and likes to play on the shoulders of the defender and his physicality coupled with astute finishing technique and the ability to link up with his teammates makes him a worthy opponent for any defensive unit.
He will definitely target Andreas Christensen as the Dane has been exposed as a weak link in recent matches despite putting up some sturdy and inspiring performances early in the season. And the outcome of this will go a long way in determining whether Chelsea can keep a clean sheet after a long time.
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Ryan Bertrand vs Willian
Despite his overall consistent performance this season, Bertrand will be keen to make sure that he leaves a mark against his former club when both teams face off this weekend. The left-back has been linked with a move away from the club this summer with many arguing that he deserves a bigger platform to showcase his talent.
Bertrand has been immense for the Saints and against Willian, he will have another opportunity to impress potential suitors. The Brazilian winger’s pace and threat on the counter will have to be dealt with. Bertrand will have to make sure that his positioning inside his half is accurate as Willian is capable of capitalizing when even a couple of yards of space is afforded to him.
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Oriol Romeu vs N’Golo Kante:
Maybe, Eden Hazard was expected to be on this list but I believe that two men at the centre of the park would determine the outcome of this match to a large extent. Both Southampton and Chelsea have been guilty of leaking unnecessary goals this season owing to certain avoidable and complacent defensive errors.
Romeu and Kante are capable of shielding the defence effectively well and are omnipresent due to their tanks of energy and constant defensive contribution. Both these players can start off counter-attacks with some slick passing and elevate the overall quality of play at the heart of the pitch.
Stas Courtesy: Whoscored