Predicted Chelsea side to play Southampton: Star trio set for return

Follow us on Google Discover

Here is how we expect Chelsea and Southampton to line-up ahead of their midweek Premier League meeting.

To be played on Tuesday 25th April 2017 at 19:45. Venue: Stamford Bridge, London

Odds: Chelsea 4/11, Draw 16/5, Southampton 7/1

Chelsea welcome Southampton to Stamford Bridge for a Tuesday evening Premier League encounter.

Consideration of recent head-to-head history renders understanding that table-toppers Chelsea may well view the clash with Claude Puel’s Saints as an acid test to their title-winning credentials.

Indeed, aside from last season’s 3-1 home loss to Southampton, Chelsea have only won three of their last eight Premier League matches against the Saints at Stamford Bridge.

Further, Southampton’s current league form away from their St. Mary’s Stadium home is certainly encouraging – as Puel’s troops have won three of their last four Premier League away games.

Ahead of the game, Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is expected to hand recalls to both Eden Hazard and Diego Costa – after the talismanic duo started last weekend’s FA Cup semi-final on the substitutes’ bench – and is also likely to be able to call upon central defender Gary Cahill, following the England internationals’ recovery from illness.

The trio’s anticipated return should see Nathan Ake, Willian and Michy Batshuayi lose out on starting berths despite their contributions towards the 4-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley last time out.

Meanwhile, visitors Southampton are expected to hand a start to combative midfielder, and former Chelsea man, Oriel Romeu – with the 25-year-old available after completing a recent suspension.

Here is our predicted line-up for both Chelsea and Southampton, in full: