Chelsea travel to Southampton on New Year’s Day, with Premier League games continuing to come thick and fast as we move into January.
The Blues will go into this fixture full of confidence, having toppled Liverpool 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. They do have a couple of injury worries going into the game, with Jose Mourinho’s squad set to be tested.
Southampton have only won one game since losing to the Blues at Stamford Bridge at the beginning of December.
Chelsea Team News:
Defence: Branislav Ivanovic is set to miss the tie after having to come off early on against Liverpool with what looked like a muscular injury, with Cesar Azpilicueta starting at right-back.
Ashley Cole will start on the left, with Cahill and Terry set to continue in the centre.
Midfield: Frank Lampard will not be involved, having been withdrawn at half-time on Sunday, with Jose Mourinho reporting that the England man will ‘miss some matches‘.
David Luiz, who excelled in he the central midfield role, is suspended for Wednesday’s game; with Mikel and Ramires set to start.
Attack: Andre Schurrle and Juan Mata will be pushing for a recall, but Mourinho will take some convincing, with Hazard, Willian and Oscar currently his preferred choice.
Fernando Torres is in line for a return to the starting XI, with Eto’o set for a rest.
Chelsea Form: WLWDWW
Prediction: 1-4 – With only one clean sheet this month for Southampton, and Chelsea brimming with attacking invention, I predict a high-scoring victory for the Blues.
What do you think? Agree with the lineup? Let me know in the comments below…
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