Southampton vs Chelsea: Preview and Prediction

Sunday 7th October 2018

England Premier League
Sunday 7th October 2018
Kick off at 2:15pm BST
Venue: St Mary's Stadium

Match Preview:

Southampton have had a poor start to their league campaign and come into this game having lost back to back matches against Liverpool and Wolves respectively. They sit in 16^th place and have won just once so far this season.

However the Saints will relish playing at home again after not doing so for almost 3 weeks. The last time they played here they drew 2-2 with Brighton but after 3 games they have yet to claim a win at St Mary’s. They were given a boost in midweek when they knocked Everton out of the Carabao Cup at Goodision Park when the match ended 1-1 and they won on penalties, and you wonder if that win would have fuelled the team up to react better in the league?

Chelsea drew 1-1 last weekend against Liverpool but the result would have felt like a loss given that Liverpool equalised so late. Still the Blues are unbeaten after 7 games and are in a very healthy position in the league. They have won 7 points from their 3 games on the road only dropping points at West Ham in a game that ended 0-0. Maurizio Sarri’s side made heavy weather of Vidi in the Europa League in midweek only winning 1-0 after a late Alvaro Morata goal.

Team News:

Southampton: Shane Long is a doubt after injuring his toe

Chelsea: No new injuries coming into this game

Southampton vs Chelsea Head to Head:

The last time the teams played here Chelsea won 3-2.

Chelsea have won the last 3 meetings played at St Mary’s.

Based on recent results there is a 60% chance to see both teams to score.

Southampton vs Chelsea Prediction:

Chelsea are the better team and in Eden Hazard they have one of the best players in Europe. But there is some fire in Southampton of late and whilst it is a stretch to think they can win this game it may be worth backing the home team on the handicap. Their previous matches over Chelsea have been close with some winning gaps of just 1 goal. Chelsea have been exciting under Sarri but still lack a classic centre forward that can work with Hazard, but as always they will be dangerous and will have most of the possession.

Southampton vs Chelsea Betting Tips:

Asian handicap (+1 Southampton) at 1.81

Anytime goalscorer: Eden Hazard at 2.25