Will Mata start ahead of Lampard? Predicted Chelsea – Soton line-ups and stats preview

Chelsea – Southmapton

Date: 1st December 2013

Venue: Stamford Bridge

Kick-off: 16:10

Chelsea don’t traditionally do well in November, but they did pick up all three points away at West Ham last weekend. The East London club are struggling though, in stark contrast to high-flying Southampton, who are playing above expectations, even if they did suffer defeat at Arsenal last weekend.

Team news

Chelsea

Jose Mourinho will probably ring some changes after his sides dismal showing against Basel on Tuesday night. Samuel Eto’o will almost certainly miss out through injury though, whilst Ashley Cole could return from his rib injury.

Southampton

Southampton were not that bad against Arsenal but lost as the result of a penalty and a terrible keeping error from Artur Boruc. The Polish shot-stopper should retain his place, however. Dejan Lovren will probably continue to be absent, whilst Jack Cork is also still doubtful to make a return.

Predicted line ups

Chelsea

As noted Jose Mourinho will probably ring the chances, meaning that Frank Lampard, Willian and possibly Azpilicueta will be reduced to roles on the bench. Juan Mata might make a rare start, with Eden Hazard certain to return to the starting line-up

Chelsea predicted XI: Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill, Cole, Mikel, Ramires, Oscar, Hazard, Mata, Torres.

Southampton

Southampton might ring a few changes but the absence (potential absence of Lovren) significantly weakens the side at the back.

Southampton XI: Boruc, Clyne, Fonte, Hooiveld, Shaw, Wanyama, Schneiderin, Ward-Prowse, Lallana, Rodriguez, Lambert.

Recent Form

Chelsea’s recent league form has been mixed. In November they’ve played three, lost one, drawing another and winning their last game with a 3-0 win at West Ham. At home they’ve generally been good, winning every game barring their recent home draw to West Brom.

Southampton have been flying high in the Premier League, enjoying some great results including a 1-0 win at Liverpool and a good 1-1 draw at Manchester United. They did well at Arsenal last weekend but were undone by their own mistakes in the end. If they can keep organised and error free they’ll be very hard for Chelsea to breakdown.

Players to watch

Chelsea – Fernando Torres

Torres has been a bit of an enigma for Chelsea in the last two years. The Spaniard has missed the last two games from injury and has scored just once in the Premier League this season. That being said, prior to his injury, he looked very good and a lot more lively than he has lately, this was clear against Man City where he created one and scored the winner (albeit after missing an absolute sitter in the first-half). Whether he flops or not in this tie, he’ll definitely be one to watch for Chelsea.

Southampton - Victor Wanyama

Wanyama was, despite being on the losing side, one of the better players on the pitch against Arsenal last weekend. The Kenyan midfield was an imposing presence in midfield, winning nine out of nine challenges (more than any other player on the pitch), as well as making six defensive actions in this tie. Wanyama was incredibly dominant and against a Chelsea’s three attacking midfielders he’ll have to be at it, or risk his side getting over run in this areas. If anyone is up to the task of shackling Chelsea’s playmakers then it is certainly Wanyama.

Prediction

Draw.

Chelsea have been very inconsistent of late and have particularly struggled to break teams down who are well organised and patient. Southampton are just that, very good off the ball and able to hit teams on the break. Chelsea have not shown enough attacking quality to suggest they’ll easily be able to overcome the Saints, but we will see what Mourinho’s men are really made of as they look to bounce back from their mid-week defeat.