Chelsea vs Southampton: Preview and Prediction

Wednesday 2nd January 2019

England Premier League
Wednesday 2nd January 2019
Kick off at 7.45pm GMT
Venue: Stamford Bridge

Match Preview:

Are Chelsea back in business? They have won back to back games following victories over Watford and Crystal Palace and while they remain in 4^th they have pushed clear of Arsenal by five points.

The Blues are also just 2 points shy of Tottenham and it is clear that their objective is to at least finish 3^rd and have automatic qualification for the Champions League.

A few months ago Chelsea were a sure bet to keep on winning games but they have dipped in recent months, but this match at home represents a chance for another three points. At Stamford Bridge they have won 60% of their games and lost just once all season which was in their last home game against Leicester.

Southampton under manager Ralph Hasenhuttl have at least looked exciting again. While they lost at home to Manchester City 3-1, the game could have gone either way at 1-1. And the second half ended 0-0. This team harass their opponent into making mistakes and can create chances.

Having said that Hasenhuttl has still lost 3 of his 5 games in charge but there does seem to be a renewed buzz about the team. Only goal difference for now is keeping them from the bottom three.

Team News:

Chelsea: Cesc Fabregas has a neck problem and is 50/50 for this game with Sarri saying he could be out for 2 days or 10 days after missing the clubs last game. Olivier Giroud has an ankle injury but will be assessed. Daniel Drinkwater could be back after suffering a minor knock, which is the same for Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Southampton: Pierre-Emile Hojberg is starting a 4 game ban after his 2^nd sending off this season against Manchester City. Michael Obafemi could be back in the squad after his knock

Chelsea vs Southampton Head to Head:

The last time the teams played here Chelsea won 2-0.

Chelsea have won the last 7 meetings in a row against Southampton.

Chelsea have scored 7 goals against Southampton in the last 3 games.

Southampton have won just 1 game against Chelsea from the last 12 and that happened in 2015.

Chelsea vs Southampton Prediction:

We should see a really entertaining game of football. Chelsea will start on the front foot but this Southampton side aren’t here to sit back and they will try to counter and may surprise the home side. Chelsea have a habit of conceding late goals and we expect the away side can score here and we also feel there is many goals in this game. It will be played like a cup fixture and our prediction is to see many goals and a home win.

Chelsea vs Southampton Betting Tips:

Both teams to score at 2.00

Over 3.5 goals at 2.20

Correct Score: Chelsea to win 3-1 or 4-2 at 11.00 and 41.00