Having won just two of their last 8 games in all competitions, Antonio Conte’s Chelsea are petering to a frustrating end to their league season, as they are now just three points above Arsenal, who are struggling in the 6th place. They have very little chance of European qualification but will have to keep working hard and after a disappointing draw against West Ham United last weekend, will look to bounce back with a win on their trip to St Mary’s.
Mark Hughes’ Southampton are winless in the league since the start of February and lost to Arsenal in the last round, failing to move out of the 18th place in the points table. They are three points away from safety and will look to put pressure on a Chelsea side, that looks disjointed. But the Blues still have a numerical chance of top-4 qualification and should not let any complacency set it. Here is the predicted lineup Conte might field for this tie:
Team News:
In early team news, David Luiz remains the only long-term absentee from the first team ahead of this trip to Southampton. Davide Zappacosta picked up a niggle recently and is doubtful while Ross Barkley is still not match-fit. Neither of them is expected to play any role in this game.
Expected lineup (3-4-3):
Defence:
Thibaut Courtois remains the first choice shot-stopper for Conte and the Belgian will hope to have a comfortable night against a misfiring Southampton attack. Andreas Christensen has turned into a first-team regular and should keep his place at the heart of the backline while Cesar Azpilicueta, who scored the only goal against West Ham, should retain his place to the right of the Danish youngster.
Antonio Rudiger might be preferred over Gary Cahill, adding some creativity to the backline as well.
Midfield:
N’ Golo Kante is easily one of the best midfielders in the league at the moment and might have some work to do at St Mary’s. He will have to be at his best and might be supported by Cesc Fabregas, who can unlock the Southampton defence from a deeper role.
Marcos Alonso has not been at his best recently and needs to step up this weekend while Victor Moses will keep his place at right wing-back for another game.
Attack:
Alvaro Morata looked dangerous at times against the Hammers but did not do enough to win the match and was subbed off. But he is expected to lead the line for another game, with Eden Hazard to his left and Willian to his right, playing on the wings.
Here is how they might line up:
