The upcoming Premier League clash between Southampton and Chelsea on December 4, 2024, promises to be a compelling matchup, particularly given the contrasting fortunes of both teams this season. Southampton currently occupies the bottom position in the league table, grappling with injuries and suspensions that have hampered their performance. In contrast, Chelsea is riding high in second place after securing a decisive 3-0 victory against Aston Villa. The Blues are strong favorites heading into this encounter, having demonstrated consistent form against lower-ranked opponents throughout the season.
Maresca's Blues made light work of Aston Villa on Sunday to extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to six games. Chelsea are level on points with Arsenal in third, but Maresca has been quick to dismiss his side's title aspirations.
Wednesday's visitors haven't tasted defeat in the league since they succumbed at Anfield on 20 October.
Predictable online :-
Southampton possible starting lineup: Lumley; Sugawara, Walker-Peters, Wood, Stephens, Manning; Fraser, Aribo, Mateus Fernandes, Armstrong; Archer
Chelsea possible starting lineup: Sanchez; Gusto, Badiashile, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson
A feature of Southampton’s season thus far has to be the self-inflicted mistakes that have lead to them conceding goals as it’s cost them dearly on so many occasions.
But their approach won’t change and whilst that bravery is something to be admired, it’s difficult to see past a comfortable Chelsea victory.
Enzo Maresca has been making wholesale changes, often times the full 11, for mid-week EFL Cup and Conference League fixtures, with this set to be the first time many of his stars will feature in a non-weekend match this season. Club captain Reece James is sidelined, while Wesley Fofana was forced off on Sunday, set for at least a month on the sidelines. Moisés Caicedo filled-in at right-back against Aston Villa, but fit-again Malo Gusto is likely to return, following a brief cameo off the bench at the weekend, while either Benoît Badiashile or Tosin Adarabioyo will replace Fofana in the middle, likely the former.
Should Caicedo return to midfield, he may well rekindle his partnership with Roméo Lavia, which would see Enzo Fernández drop-out, despite scoring in the last two Premier League games. Maresca has so many wide-options, selecting Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho on Sunday, but any of Noni Madueke, João Félix, Mykhaylo Mudryk or Christopher Nkunku could come in this time. Neto and in-form Nicolas Jackson would miss Sunday's visit to Spurs if booked at St Mary's.
In terms of predicted lineups, Southampton is expected to field a team comprising Lumley; Sugawara, Walker-Peters, Wood, Stephens, Manning; Fraser, Aribo, Mateus Fernandes, Armstrong; Archer. Meanwhile, Chelsea may opt for a similar lineup to their recent match but could introduce some rotation due to squad depth considerations. Although Southampton has shown glimpses of resilience in recent fixtures—such as their draw against Brighton—their overall poor form suggests that they may struggle against a formidable Chelsea side.
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