Prediction: Southampton vs Chelsea

Prediction: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: William Hill

The Premier League returns this weekend after some fun European action during the week, and there are a series of entertaining games for fans to lay their eyes on from now until Sunday. One such game will be Southampton hosting Chelsea, in a game that could be vitally important for both clubs as we look ahead to the rest of the season. The Saints are trying to drag themselves away from trouble down the bottom, whereas at the top, Chelsea are enjoying a somewhat unlikely push for the title.

Southampton

The Saints aren’t the Europe-chasing team they were just a few short years ago, but in some ways, that’s okay. They’ve got plenty of time to build their reputation back up, so long as they aren’t dragged into a relegation dogfight like they were last season. They’ve got the players necessary to make a push for the top ten, but it’ll take some discipline and some patience. It won’t happen overnight and their fans need to realise that, especially after all their outgoings as of late.

Team News

Southampton have some decisions to make with Angus Gunn and Alex McCarthy both fighting for a place in the starting XI.

Chelsea

When Maurizio Sarri came through the door not many fans were sure what to expect from him. Now, less than eight games into the Premier League campaign, it’s clear to see that he’s the right man for the job with the Blues finding themselves in the midst of an unlikely title race. They’ve been able to put in a string of solid performances, which is scary, as it feels like they’ve still got so much more room to grow as a team. They can’t afford to get overconfident, though, which is what we saw them do against West Ham.

Team News

Eden Hazard should be fresh and ready to start the game, with Sarri preparing to make plenty of changes from Thursday.

Factors to Consider

• The game will be played at Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium.
• Southampton have won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six games.
• Chelsea have won four, drawn two and lost none of their last six games.
• Southampton have scored six goals and conceded eight in their last six games.
• Chelsea have scored nine goals and conceded three in their last six games.

Conclusion

Southampton have been extremely hot and cold this season, and it just doesn’t feel like they have that same spark that they once did. Chelsea are ruthless and throughout the core of their squad, they have a handful of stars who are more than capable of punishing teams when they let their guard down. We can see the Blues struggling early on due to the physical demands of playing in the Europa League earlier in the week, but as the game goes on, they’ll grow in confidence which will lead to them securing a fairly easy three points.

Prediction: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: William Hill