The clash between Chelsea and Southampton on February 25, 2025, promises to be a pivotal encounter in the Premier League. Chelsea, currently positioned seventh in the league standings, is vying for a Champions League qualification spot. Conversely, Southampton finds itself struggling near the relegation zone . The stakes are high for both teams; hence, a victory is essential for Chelsea to maintain their aspirations while Southampton aims to escape the clutches of relegation.
Chelsea are suffering in the absence of a recognised centre-forward, although their current malaise pre-dates Nicolas Jackson's injury setback. They're now seventh in the table having once been considered a potential title contender at Christmas.
However, no matter how bad things have been in west London as of late, Chelsea's misery can't compare to what Southampton supporters have endured this term. The Saints remain on nine points and still risk ending the season with the lowest points haul in Premier League history.
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Southampton are on their way back to the Championship. Just nine points have been earned by them this season and there seems little chance of them avoiding finishing bottom, let alone escaping the bottom three.
Chelsea possible starting lineup: Jorgensen; Gusto, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella; Dewsbury-Hall, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernandez, Sancho; Neto
Southampton possible starting lineup: Ramsdale; Harwood-Bellis, Bella-Kotchap, Bree; Sugawara, Gronbaek, Downes, Walker-Peters; Fernandes; Onuachu, Sulemana
Defender Trevoh Chalobah will miss ten days due to injury, joining Nicolas Jackson, Noni Madueke, Marc Guiu, Romeo Lavia, Benoit Badiashile, and Wesley Fofana on the sidelines.
Jan Bednarek is likely to recover from the knock sustained against Brighton, and fellow center-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis may also be available. Chelsea loanee Lesley Ugochukwu is ineligible, while Adam Lallana and Ryan Fraser will undergo assessment. Ross Stewart remains out.
In terms of team news, injuries have significantly impacted both squads. Chelsea's predicted lineup includes Neto as center-forward due to injuries affecting key players such as Jackson and Guiu . Other potential adjustments may see Adarabioyo or Acheampong take defensive roles alongside Sancho potentially filling in midfield. On the other hand, Southampton has also faced injury setbacks with several players unavailable for selection . These circumstances could shape the strategies employed by each manager during this critical fixture.
Fans can anticipate watching the game online through various platforms such as TNT Sports in the UK and Peacock in the US . Predictions indicate that Chelsea may secure a decisive victory with an anticipated scoreline of 3-0 given their current form and home advantage . Nevertheless, football is inherently unpredictable; thus it remains crucial to monitor confirmed lineups closer to kickoff for any last-minute changes that could influence match outcomes.
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