Predicted XI: Alvaro Morata returns to partner Eden Hazard in attack, Bakayoko retains midfield spot

Chelsea will line up strongly against Southampton knowing they need to win the game to remain in the title chase, already looking faint.

The Blues lost their game against West Ham last weekend, making their title defense a lot more shaky as Manchester City took full advantage to win their crucial encounter with city rivals Man United.

Antonio Conte’s side returned to winning ways against Huddersfield and will seek similar performances from his players to maintain a chase on leaders Man City when they face Southampton on Saturday.

This is how the Premier League champions will line-up against the Saints.

GOALKEEPERS –

Thibaut Courtois: Chelsea’s number one goalkeeper has been in decent form this season but is mostly let down by his back line as happened in their last fixture against Huddersfield, conceding in the final minute. He will pick up the gloves for a likely 90 minutes of action again on Saturday hoping for clean sheet this time around.

Cezar Azpilicueta: Which ever way you look at it, this Spaniard will remain one of the first names on the team sheet after his more positive performances in the last few games, despite a faulty start to the season. He’s a leader in that dressing room and an ever consistent presence at the back for the Blues.

Andreas Christensen: The young Dane has convinced a lot of Chelsea fans after he displaced David Luiz from the starting 11. Having spent the last two years at Borussia Monchengladbach, Christensen has returned to Chelsea a more matured player and has been consistent at the back, starting attacks with sleek and precise passes while defending strongly for Conte’s side. His withdrawal in the dying minutes of the Huddersfield clash shows his importnace to Conte now.

Gary Cahill: The England center back and captain of this Chelsea side will start to complete the back three. The threat of Antonio Rudiger keeps pushing him to produce good performances on the left of the back three and after getting a deserved rest against Huddersfield, he will lead his teammates out of the tunnel at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

MIDFIELD –

Marcos Alonso: On the left side of midfield, very few players in the Chelsea team can play that position as well as Alonso does. He is often deputized by Davide Zappacosta but Alonso’s strength busting forward and providing a quality outlet on the left wing will give the Chelsea regular starter another crack at a Premier League opposition.

Victor Moses: The Nigerian nominated for the 2017 CAF Best Player for his displays in Chelsea colors and Nigerian Super Eagles will start another game after his recovery from a hamstring injury. His performance against Newcastle United was one of games Moses will look back at as will Conte of his winger.

N’Golo Kante: The Frenchman has been one of Chelsea’s most consistent players in the last two seasons and will offer Conte a great option in midfield against Southampton this weekend. He certainly starts.

Cesc Fabregas: Fabregas is one of Chelsea’s creative hubs in midfield and will receive another starting berths to help unlock the Saints sometimes stubborn defense. And the midfield will be completed by…

Tiemoue Bakayoko: Having been blasted by lots of Chelsea fans on social media, Bakayoko has responded really well in the last game, scoring and overall producing one of his finest performances in the Premier League since his arrival last summer. Bakayoko’s form should continue well against the Saints on Saturday.

ATTACK – 

Eden Hazard: Arguably Chelsea’s most valuable player has been  stellar in the league since he fully recovered from his injury two months ago and has scored five goals in the league since. He will start again this weekend and hope he finds a good telepathic understanding with other forwards after his great link up play with Pedro and Willian.

Alvaro Morata: Chelsea’s leading scorer in the top flight will earn another start in the league and hope to rediscover his goal scoring form. He has not been entirely consistent this season despite his impressive numbers but he is the most trusted striker among the lot in Chelsea’s ranks this season.

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