Prediction: Chelsea vs Southampton

Prediction: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 13/25

Bookmaker: 888sport

The Premier League is back in our lives this weekend after a two-week break due to the international fixtures that took place throughout the world. We may only be in the early stages of the new campaign and yet there’s still a lot to take away from the games we’ve seen – and from what’s happened so far it looks like fans are in for a wildly unpredictable and exciting season. Today, we’re going to take a look at a Saturday clash between Chelsea and Southampton.

Chelsea

The big signings over the summer were nice, but Frank Lampard now needs to put this plan into action in a big way. Fans aren’t asking for them to win the Premier League straight out of the gate because Liverpool and Manchester City continue to lead that race, but at an absolute minimum, they have to be pushing for the top four. The hope is that they’ll start to click as a unit by the time we reach the new year and if they can do that, Lampard will be able to breathe a whole lot easier.

Team News

Thiago Silva is set to be rested prior to the game against Sevilla in the Champions League with Kante and Chilwell both being doubts due to injury setbacks. Elsewhere, Gilmour and Mendy are both confirmed absences.

Southampton

Southampton fans were confident heading into the season and they probably still should be. They have a decent squad and a real team cohesion that simply cannot be overlooked, and they almost certainly won’t have to worry about a relegation battle this time around. As long as they can get some service up to their most influential players up top then they’ll be able to cause teams all sorts of problems.

Team News

Djenepo is out through injury with Armstrong not featuring due to his recent self-isolation. Walcott is tipped to play some kind of role whereas Salisu is also doubtful, but aside from that, the Saints will be hoping to play a strong attacking line-up for the trip to London.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting on Boxing Day 2019, Southampton beat Chelsea 2-0.
• Chelsea have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six games.
• Southampton have won three and lost three of their last six games.
• Chelsea have scored 17 goals and conceded seven in their last six games.
• Southampton have scored eight goals and conceded nine in their last six games.

Conclusion

Chelsea are still trying to find their feet and they’re still attempting to pick out what exactly their best system is. Southampton are capable of upsetting the odds with just about any team in the league but from time to time they can falter, and we’re expecting them to misfire at Stamford Bridge. This isn’t going to be the most entertaining of games but we will get a winner, probably thanks to a late, late goal from the Blues.

Prediction: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 13/25

Bookmaker: 888sport