Chelsea head to St Mary’s Stadium on Wednesday, December 4, for matchweek 14 of the Premier League, aiming for a third straight league win and a firmer grip on a Champions League place.
Fresh from a commanding victory over Aston Villa, Enzo Maresca will fancy his side’s chances of taking all three points against Southampton. Here’s how the Blues could shape up.
Goalkeeper – Robert Sanchez finally ended a run of seven league matches without a clean sheet in the win over Villa. He is expected to keep his spot and will look to build on that momentum.
Defence – Wesley Fofana’s hamstring injury last weekend is likely to rule him out, paving the way for Benoit Badiashile to step in alongside Levi Colwill in central defence. Marc Cucurella should continue at left-back, while Malo Gusto could reclaim the right-back berth. That switch would allow Moises Caicedo to revert to his natural midfield role.
Midfield – Caicedo’s return to midfield may see Romeo Lavia drop to the bench. He would likely partner Enzo Fernandez in a familiar double pivot.
Cole Palmer, thriving in the No. 10 role, should keep pulling the strings, with Pedro Neto shifting from the right flank to the left. This opens the door for Noni Madueke to return on the right wing after being rested against Villa, meaning Jadon Sancho may have to make way.
Attack – Nicolas Jackson remains the first-choice striker despite his occasional profligacy. The Senegalese forward’s movement and work rate keep him ahead in Maresca’s plans to spearhead the attack against the Saints.