Prediction: Chelsea vs Southampton

Prediction: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 1/3

Bookmaker: bet365

The busy Christmas period continues on as we prepare for a series of entertaining matches throughout the course of the next few days – and, in particular, Boxing Day. Football on Boxing Day has become something of a tradition in English football, and that’ll likely continue to be the case for many years to come. Today, we want to take a look at one of the more intriguing clashes that will go down on the 26th as Chelsea prepare to host Southampton at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea

The Blues have been up, they’ve been down, and they’ve been back up again, and that’s all been during the brief reign of Frank Lampard. The former midfielder has been able to guide his club towards some great results so far this season, and it truly does feel like this is only the beginning for them. Maintaining their consistency has obviously been a big issue but when you look at the bigger picture, it’s hard not to label this run as a success for them.

Team News

Kovacic will miss out here through suspension after picking up too many yellow cards, whereas Loftus-Cheek is out through injury. Giroud and Azpilicueta are both doubtful with Emerson being tipped to replace Alonso, whereas Pulisic and Hudson-Odoi are also hoping to feature.

Southampton

They’re still lingering in and around the relegation zone, but the Saints are still in a fairly decent position to kick on and really make the most of their campaign. They have a series of players within their squad that are starting to really hit the high points, and that didn’t seem likely at all not so long ago. They still need a little bit more quality in their ranks to sustain this from now until May, but it’s a start.

Team News

There are some that believe Ralph Hassenhuttl could name the same starting XI that secured the win over Aston Villa. In terms of absences, Danso and Valery have both been ruled out through injury.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in October, Chelsea beat Southampton 4-1.
• Chelsea have won three and lost three of their last six games.
• Southampton have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• Chelsea have scored seven goals and conceded seven in their last six games.
• Southampton have scored 10 goals and conceded eight of their last six games.

Conclusion

These two sides are in very different positions in the table, but in terms of this game, we think it’s going to be much more even than their previous encounter earlier on this season. We can see the Saints coming forward with a bit less fear than they have done in the past, and with more intent, too. However, we still believe the Blues are going to come away with the three points. Frank Lampard’s men are just too strong and they’ll continue to prove that as the season goes on.

Prediction: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 1/3

Bookmaker: bet365