Claude Puel’s impressive Saints side face another stern test when Chelsea visit St Mary’s on Sunday afternoon.
Southampton’s Nathan Redmond celebrates scoring their first goal
Southampton just keep continuing to defy the odds. Following another summer of upheaval on the south coast – with the manager joining several key players in passing through the exit door – Claude Puel’s side have recovered from a slow start and head into the weekend on a five match unbeaten run in the Premier League.
Having earned a point from their clash with Manchester City last time out, Saints now face another likely title challenger in Chelsea. Antonio Conte’s side blitzed Manchester United at Stamford Bridge last weekend, and the Blues could end the weekend top of the table if they win and the teams above them slip up.
Chelsea’s Eden Hazard and Gary Cahill in action with Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard
The Key Battle – Nathan Redmond vs Gary Cahill
Nathan Redmond’s evolution from promising winger to accomplished central striker has been a key part of Southampton’s impressive run. He faces a tough opponent in Cahill, who was excellent in last weekend’s win and got himself on the scoresheet to boot.
Last Meeting:
Chelsea staged a late comeback to emerge victorious when these two sides last met.
Trailing 1-0 with a quarter of an hour to play, Cesc Fabregas equalised for the visitors before Branislav Ivanovic netted the winner with just a minute of normal time to play.
Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic in action with Burnley’s Sam Vokes
Recent form – most recent last:
Southampton – LWWDWD
Chelsea – DLLWWW
Who’s the ref?
Mike Jones will be the man in the middle at St Mary’s.
His seven games so far this season have included one Saints fixture – the 1-0 win over Swansea in September – and Jones is yet to take control of Chelsea this term, though he did send off John Terry in their defeat at Sunderland last season.
Chelsea’s John Terry is shown a red card by referee Mike Jones
What time is kick off?
The match begins at 4pm.
Where can I watch it?
Sky Sports 1 is the place to find this one. Coverage begins at 3.30pm following the conclusion of West Ham’s trip to Everton.
Odds
Southampton – 21/10
Draw – 23/10
Chelsea 13/10
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