After their superb win over Tottenham Hotspur in the league, Frank Lampard’s Chelsea side turn their attention to Southampton, who also registered a good win over Aston Villa. The Blues host the Saints at Stamford Bridge on Thursday as they look to consolidate their place in the top 4.
The last time these two sides faced in the league earlier this season SildenEs, Chelsea romped home 4-1 winners at St. Mary’s Stadium. The Blues are six points behind Manchester City in third and four points ahead of Sheffield United in fifth.
Let’s take a look at the possible Chelsea lineup for the game against Southampton.
Team News
Ross Barkley is available for selection but was not part of the Spurs squad, which is the case with experienced striker Olivier Giroud as well. Ruben Loftus-Cheek is still not fit enough to return to the Chelsea team.
Cesar Azpilicueta has a minor hamstring problem and will be assessed ahead of the match.
PREDICTED CHELSEA LINEUP vs SOUTHAMPTON (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Kepa should start once again for Chelsea between the sticks.
Defence
Lampard put out a three-man defence for the game against Tottenham, but he may revert to a four-man backline. The Blues manager could rest Antonio Rudiger who hasn’t had a break since returning from injury and also to keep him fresh for the weekend’s match against Arsenal.
Fikayo Tomori and Kurt Zouma could start as the two central defenders, with the duo putting in impressive displays against Harry Kane and co.
Captain César Azpilicueta could also get the day off given Lampard will not want to take a chance with the experienced fullback’s hamstring ahead of a crucial juncture in the season.
Reece James replacing him at right-back looks the most likely option, while Marcos Alonso could start at left-back after a strong performance against Spurs. Some of it was down to Lampard playing the Spaniard as a wing-back which allowed him to play with much more freedom.
Emerson is another option at left-back if Lampard wants balance at both ends of the pitch.
Midfield
Chelsea could set up with a two-man midfield for the game against the Saints, consisting of N’Golo Kante and Jorginho. The latter was a second-half substitute against Spurs but could get a start against Southampton. Kovacic could be handed a breather.
Mason Mount should retain his place in the Chelsea lineup in the no.10 role after a solid display against the Lilywhites.
Attack
Tammy Abraham will lead the line for the Blues, while Willian, the star of the show on Sunday, should start on the right.
Christian Pulisic could get back into the Chelsea lineup and will play on the left if that is the case. The American was an unused substitute for the game against Tottenham.
