Prediction: Southampton vs Chelsea

Prediction: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 17/20

Bookmaker: bet365

The Premier League is back in our lives for another weekend of entertaining action. Given that we’re now in early October, it seems as if we aren’t too far away from discovering who truly will be the leading contenders in every single ‘race’ as it were this season. The game we’re taking a look at today will be contested between Southampton and Chelsea, and it should be quite an interesting affair. They know each other fairly well, but both teams still have pretty ‘new look’ squads.

Southampton

While a relegation battle could still be on the cards for the Saints this season, Ralph Hasenhüttl has given fans reason to believe in what they’re trying to accomplish at the club for the first time in a long time. They’ve never had the best squad from top to bottom but they always seem capable of producing world class stars, mainly through their phenomenal youth setup. Now, though, the question is whether or not they can mix it up in the top half, or if that ship has well and truly sailed.

Team News

Djenepo is ruled out for the visit of Chelsea, with McCarthy and Soares being assessed prior to kick-off. Che Adams will hope to feature whereas Ward-Prowse is tipped to make his presence known on the right for the hosts.

Chelsea

Frank Lampard is finally starting to make a real difference at Stamford Bridge, after a start to the season that had some wondering whether or not he was up to the task. The former Derby County boss has been able to string together a few decent results, and he’s done so by putting the weight of the pressure on the shoulders of his youngsters. It was considered to be a risky tactic, but at this moment in time, it appears as if it’s paying off.

Team News

Azpilicueta’s place in the starting XI could be under threat from Reece James, but in terms of injuries, Loftus-Cheek, Rudiger and Emerson are all expected to miss out.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in January, Southampton and Chelsea drew 0-0.
• Southampton have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• Chelsea have won four and lost two of their last six games.
• Southampton have scored nine goals and conceded six in their last six games.
• Chelsea have scored 17 goals and conceded seven in their last six games.

Conclusion

Southampton can give anyone in the league a tough game on their day, but getting them on their day doesn’t happen all too often. Chelsea, on the other hand, are starting to piece together some much needed wins – and win their only losses lately coming to Liverpool and Valencia, we’d say they’re trending in the right direction. We’re backing Frank’s youngsters to get the job done on the south coast, continuing the Blues’ push for a place in the top four in the Premier League.

Prediction: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 17/20

Bookmaker: bet365