Chelsea face a trip to Southampton on Tuesday evening as Thomas Tuchel looks to make it two Premier League wins on the spin.
The Blues bounced back to winning ways at the weekend from their chastening 3-0 defeat to Leeds United, edging Leicester City 2-1 at Stamford Bridge. A brace from Raheem Sterling gave Thomas Tuchel’s 10 men all three points.
The manner in which Chelsea responded after going a man down may have provided Tuchel reassurance about the character of his squad, and he will settle for no less than three points in midweek against Southampton.
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea will be without the services of Conor Gallagher as he serves his one-match ban for getting sent off against Leicester City. Kalidou Koulibaly will return from his own suspension, though.
N’Golo Kante has been ruled out for at least four weeks after suffering a thigh injury in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham earlier this month.
Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Southampton (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper
Edouard Mendy is Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper and should start against Southampton.
Defence
After the defeat to Leeds United, Thomas Tuchel went with a 4-4-2 system against Leicester City and the change paid rich dividends. However, with Kalidou Koulibaly returning from a one-game suspension, Tuchel is likely to revert to his back three system.
Koulibaly should walk straight back into the Blues’ starting XI, teaming up with Thiago Silva and Trevoh Chalobah in defence in the Chelsea lineup. They will need to be on their toes for the entire 90 minutes to keep a speedy and energetic Southampton side at bay on Tuesday.
Midfield
With N’Golo Kante injured and Conor Gallagher suspended, Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s solid start to the season sees him become a natural option to partner Jorginho at the heart of the Chelsea midfield. Jorginho will sit at the base of the midfield and allow Loftus-Cheek to make late runs in the box and supplement the attacks.
Reece James and Marc Cucurella will start as wing-backs in the Chelsea lineup, giving the Blues attacking impetus and energy down the wide areas.
Attack
Mason Mount and Kai Havertz will operate as two creative 10s in the Chelsea lineup. Both Mount and Havertz are smart operators on and off the ball, and will look to find spaces in the final third to hurt Southampton.
Fresh from a brace against Leicester City, Raheem Sterling will head into the Southampton fixture full of confidence. Due to his pace, directness and movement, the England international could prove a real handful for the Saints defenders.
Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech will be top options on the bench if Tuchel opts to introduce some fresh legs into his team.