Chelsea face Southampton in tough away test

Life under Frank Lampard started tough but after an impressive win over Lille, Chelsea hope that they can beat Southampton when they travel to the St Mary’s Stadium.

When the Saints last played against the Blues it ended in a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge back in January. Chelsea failed to win this one despite holding most of the possession and having the better chances.

Since Southampton got promoted from the Championship back in the 2011-2012 season, no team has been able to get more points at the St Mary’s Stadium compared to their London opponents. The Stamford Bridge faithful have gained 16 points out of 21 points.

With the last time, Southampton won at home to Chelsea being they’re first home match against the London outfit since promotion, that match ended 2-1 after saints legend Rickie Lambert scored the winning goal, two minutes after John Terry’s equaliser.

Despite a disappointing start to the season for the south coast side, they’ve only lost two of their last six with those coming in a 2-1 loss to a demoralised Tottenham and a 3-1 defeat to a high flying Bournemouth side.

All their wins have come away from home this season, smashing rivals Portsmouth 4-0 while also beating Fulham and Sheffield United. The other result was a 1-1 draw with Manchester United after coming from behind and having a player sent off.

After beating Wolves 5-2, Chelsea would have likely expected to continue as they went on, however, home losses to Valencia (1-0) and Liverpool (2-1) stopped the club in their tracks a little.

Since those defeats though they’ve been unstoppable, winning the last three, beating Grimsby (7-1); Brighton (2-0) and most recently won a tricky away game as they beat Lille (2-1)

What the managers have had to say:

Ralph Hasenhüttl outlined how he wants his side to perform against Chelsea:

“We have not won at home so far, but we have not had an easy schedule with Liverpool, Manchester United and Bournemouth. The Bournemouth game was really the one we maybe had the biggest chance to take something, but every game is difficult in the Premier League.

“On Sunday, we have a very strong opponent, but we have shown strong performances against strong teams, and this is what I demand from my guys this week; we need a very good spirit and good mentality to fight from the first minute.

“The first half will be intense, it sometimes can be a little bit wild, sometimes a little bit unorganised, but this is what I expect. You have to be there, strong and aggressive.”

Chelsea boss Lampard was delighted that Fikayo Tomori had been called up for England:

“I am delighted for Tomori. Mason and Tammy have taken headlines, but Tomori, having seen him turn up at Derby, to see him play the full season last year and then to come here and some people might doubt him. He has shown great qualities and he has been a dream day in and day out.”

Head to Head

Southampton Win- 30

Draws- 29

Chelsea Win- 45

Team News

Ralph Hasenhüttl has ruled Moussa Djenepo (Thigh) out of their match against the Blues this weekend but believes Cedric Soares (Calf) could return but is more likely to be back during the international break. Keeper Alex McCarthy also is a doubt for the south coast side.

The Blues have no fresh injury concerns as Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Calf); Emerson (Thigh); Marco Van Ginkel (Knee) and Antonio Rudiger (Hip) are all still out however the news during the week that both N’Golo Kante and Kurt Zouma played the full 90 minutes will be an added bonus to the team.

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