Chelsea will face Southampton at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League when club football resumes after the international break.
The Blues recorded a convincing 4-0 win against Crystal Palace just before the international break, as some of their new signings gelled well with the rest of the playing XI. That was always the biggest task for manager Frank Lampard as the Blues have signed several new players.
Just one point separates Chelsea from their Saturday’s opponents Southampton who have had a mixed start so far, winning twice and losing the same number of games.
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side play a positive brand of football, so Chelsea will not have it all their way come Saturday.
Chelsea Team News
The international break allowed some of Chelsea’s stars to recover from their injuries as the likes of Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech are now fit and in contention to start on Saturday.
On the flip side, injuries to N’Golo Kante and Edouard Mendy means Lampard will again have to make some changes.
Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs Southampton
Goalkeeper
With Mendy unlikely to feature, Lampard has an important decision to make. Kepa has been subpar this season, and was dropped for Willy Caballero in goal before Mendy was signed. Kepa did play for Spain, however, and could get another chance to impress in goal.
Defence
Kurt Zouma and Thiago Silva could start at the heart of the defence. The two will be up against an in-form Danny Ings who just can’t seem to stop scoring at the moment.
Emerson featured for Italy in the international break, and should get a chance at left-back if Chilwell doesn’t make it. Lampard did reveal that Chilwell is in the squad, so he could start. Reece James has been impressive so far this season, and could continue at right-back ahead of Cesar Azpilicueta.
Midfield
With Kante unavailable, Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho could feature in the two-man midfield. Jorginho is expected to sit in front of the back four, while Kovacic could make the forward forays during the transitional phases of the game.
Kai Havertz is better suited to a role behind the striker, and he could play as the number nine in the Chelsea lineup.
Attack
Pulisic should make the Chelsea lineup and start as the left-winger, while Mason Mount could feature on the opposite flank. Timo Werner should complete the Chelsea team and play as the forward.