Prediction: Southampton vs Chelsea

Verdict: Cole Palmer to score anytime 

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Two sides who find themselves scrapping it out at opposite ends of the Premier League table, Chelsea will travel to Southampton on Wednesday night.

Southampton

Starting with the hosts, while Southampton might have eventually clung to a 1-1 stalemate away at Brighton over the weekend, the Saints have had little too cheer about so far this season. Although Russell Martin’s men might have only made their Premier League return earlier in the year, the former Swansea boss has a huge amount of pressure on his shoulders. Already pencilled in as a landslide relegation contender, Southampton sit rock-bottom of the table and bracing themselves for another monumental challenge here. Heading into November’s international break with a routine 2-0 defeat at the hands of Wolves, Wednesday’s hosts have put just five points on the board from any of their first 13 Premier League appearances. Marking their return from the fortnight interval with a frantic 3-2 loss at home against runaway leaders Liverpool, Martin’s downbeat squad have also gained a reputation for their defensive struggles.

Team News

Both shown a pair of costly bookings away at Brighton on Friday night, the duo of Flynn Downes and England international Taylor Harwood-Bellis will serve respective suspensions here. Likewise, missing back-to-back appearances since returning from November’s international break, former Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale remains a doubt.

Making a Premier League debut at the Amex, Joe Jumley should keep his spot between the sticks in midweek. While Ghana international Kamaldeen Sulemana might have recently returned to Martin’s squad, the 22-year-old will have to settle for a spot on the bench at St. Mary’s.

Chelsea

As for the visitors, while some around Stamford Bridge might have been shocked over the summer following Enzo Maresca’s arrival, Chelsea have enjoyed a sensational rise under the former Leicester boss. Putting in another dominant display over the weekend as they breezed their way to a routine 3-0 romp at home against Aston Villa, the Blues are sat firmly in the driving seat to book a lucrative Champions League return. Marking their return from November’s International break with a 2-1 victory away at the King Power, Wednesday’s guests will certainly be smelling another golden opportunity here. Winning each of their last three appearances by an aggregate score of 7-1, Maresca’s high-flying squad have also suffered just a single Premier League defeat so far this season. Riding what has been a major wave of momentum and with the mood around Stamford Bridge at a real high, the Blues should be relishing a trip to St. Mary’s on Wednesday night.

Team News

In what is a huge blow, Chelsea have confirmed that French defender Wesley Fofana is not expected to feature over the remainder of this calendar year. Likewise, suffering yet another injury issue last month, England international Reece James will not play any part on Wednesday night.

Now finding the net in back-to-back Premier League appearances, Enzo Fernandez will once again partner former Southampton starlet Romeo Lavia in the middle of the park. Moises Caicedo could once again be deployed at right-back in midweek.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Southampton and Chelsea met during the 2022/23 campaign, the Saints won both of their Premier League meetings by an aggregate score of 3-1.
• However, Southampton have collected just five points from any of their first 13 Premier League appearances this season.
• Chelsea have suffered just a sole defeat from any of their last nine matchups across all competitions.
• The Blues have won their last three appearances across all formats by an aggregate score of 7-1.
• England international Cole Palmer has registered 14 direct goal contributions in his 13 Premier League appearances so far this season.

Conclusion

Making another major statement over the weekend and landing a routine 3-0 romp at home against Aston Villa, Chelsea will be seeking a repeat performance here. Sat in the driving seat to book a lucrative return to Europe’s elite, Wednesday’s guests will be smelling a golden opportunity on Wednesday night. Despite losing both of their Premier League showdowns against Southampton during the 2022/23 campaign, it is hard to see what would be a real upset at St. Mary’s in midweek.

Verdict: Cole Palmer to score anytime 

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: Dachbet