Preview
On Saturday two of the Premier League’s most inform sides meet at the St. Mary’s Stadium in a game which could go either way.
Since the return of Fraser Forster, Southampton have picked up a lot more points and if the league table started 6 games ago they would sit top of the league with Chelsea in fourth. The Saints haven’t conceded a goal either since the return of Forster, they have kept a clean sheet in 6 straight games and haven’t conceded in over 9 hours.
Chelsea’s form has also picked up in the last few games with the club converting more draws into wins. Diego Costa is in hot form having scored in 9 of his last 12 games and 7 of his last 8 Premier League games. In 3 of our last 5 games we have won 5-1 on 3 occasions. This highlights the improved form of our attacking unit as a whole.
The squad will also be looking to avenge the 3-1 loss to Southampton earlier this season at Stamford Bridge. At the time Jose Mourinho was still in charge of the club and the performance in that evening match in London was certainly one to forget.
However the team have come a long way since then and look a much more solid and confident team which will certainly hold their own against Southampton despite their good form.
Come on Chelsea!
Match details
Saturday, 27th February, kick off at 3:00PM at The St. Mary’s Stadium
Recent form
Southampton have been excellent recently and picked up 2 good results at both Old Trafford and The Emirates. In their last 5 games they have won 4 (West Brom, Manchester United, West Ham and Swansea). Their other result was a 0-0 draw at Arsenal. Southampton’s last defeat came in The FA Cup against Crystal Palace on 9th January.
Chelsea have only won 2 of our last 5 games in all competitions which doesn’t really give a clear indication of our performances of late. These two wins both ended 5-1 against Newcastle then Man City. We lost away to PSG 2-1 which could of easily been a different score line on another night if it wasn’t for Kevin Trapp who made two goal stopping saves from Diego Costa in each half. Our other two games were draws away to Watford and at home to Manchester United.
Team news
Guus Hiddink shared bad news this morning in terms of injuries after revealing John Terry still won’t be fit enough for selection tomorrow. However he revealed he still has a chance of making Tuesday’s trip to Norwich. Radamel Falcao also remains out injured likewise Alexandre Pato who is still not match ready despite taking part in an intense training regime.
Southampton will be without Victor Wanyama who is serving a susoension. Jay Rodriguez is also back in training but tomorrow’s match will be too soon for him to return.
My prediction
Southampton 1-1 Chelsea
