England – Premier League 2019-20, Chelsea vs Southampton Match - Dilta Sport

England – Premier League 2019-20, Chelsea vs Southampton Match

Google+

Chelsea vs Southampton
England – Premier League
Date: Thursday, 26 December 2019
Kick-off at 15:00 UK/ 16:00 CET
Venue: Stamford Bridge (London).

It has been a better than expected season so far for Frank Lampard and his Chelsea team – but results have tailed off slightly. Southampton, on the other hand, have improved – so this should be a good game.

A few months ago this would have been a straightforward game to predict, but the two sides have gone in different directions since then. Chelsea should still win – but it will be close.

Chelsea Team News, Updates and Facts

Chelsea Team News

Frank Lampard will be missing midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek and striker Olivier Giroud due to injuries for this clash with the slightly resurgent Saints.

Chelsea Key Man

He may not do it every week, but when Willian is on, he sure is on.  The Brazilian winger was at his terrifying best on Sunday when he scored his first two goals, in 11 appearances, against Spurs in the first half.  He may not be capable of it every time at his age, but he’s an invaluable weapon nonetheless.  Speaking of invaluable, the same can be said of Tammy Abraham.  He’s like gold for the Blues.  An academy grad that’s turned into a star, scoring 11 goals and recording three assists so far, brilliant numbers given his slow start to life in the PL.

Chelsea Team Form

Chelsea have three wins and two losses in their last five matches:

0-2 win at Tottenham
0-1 home loss vs Bournemouth
2-1 home win vs Lille (UCL)
3-1 loss at Everton
2-1 home win vs Aston Villa

Chelsea Predicted Starting Line up

Expected Line up: 3-4-3

Chelsea likely XI

  • Goalkeeper:Kepa
  • Defenders:Rudiger, Zouma, Tomori
  • Midfielders:James, Kante, Jorginho, Alonso
  • Forwards:Mount, Willian, Abraham

Southampton Team News, Updates and Facts

Southampton Team News

Ralph Hasenhuttl has four missing players, with Sam McQueen, Kevin Danso, Yann Valery, and Moussa Djenepo out due to injuries for this clash.

Southampton Key Man

The man to watch here, particularly for the Blues, will have to be Danny Ings.  The English striker is a threat to create for himself or to mop up others’ shots, as demonstrated when he grabbed two goals to lift the Saints past Villa on Saturday.  He’s now on 11 for the season, making him an MVP of sorts for them.  Alongside him, Shane Long is looking more promising of late.  He didn’t score on Saturday, but he had the shot whose rebound fell to Ings for one, showing he’s still just as annoying to a defence as he’s ever been.

Southampton Team Form

Southampton have three wins and two losses in their last five matches:

1-3 win at Aston Villa
0-1 home loss vs West Ham
2-1 loss at Newcastle
2-1 home win vs Norwich
2-1 home win vs Watford

Southampton Predicted Starting Line up

Expected Line up: 4-4-2

Southampton likely XI

  • Goalkeeper:McCarthy
  • Defenders:Cedric, Stephens, Bednarek, Bertrand
  • Midfielders:Armstrong, Ward-Prowse, Hojbjerg, Redmond
  • Forwards:Long, Ings