Chelsea will be overwhelming favourites against the Premier League’s bottom side Southampton on Wednesday night.
The Blues are in good form at present, winning all three games since returning from the international break, producing arguably their best performance of the season so far in the victory over Aston Villa at the weekend.
That result has seen Enzo Maresca’s side jump above Manchester City in the table, though they are third behind Arsenal - due to a unique Premier League ruling - and nine points behind the leaders Liverpool.
Facing a relegation-threatened team means Chelsea will have to guard against complacency when they visit St Mary’s especially as Southampton ran Liverpool close in their last home game.
Furthermore, the Saints picked up a point away at Brighton & Hove Albion last Friday night so will be looking to build on that positive result.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Southampton vs Chelsea is scheduled for a 7.30pm GMT kick-off on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.
The match will take place at St Mary’s Stadium.
Where to watch Southampton vs Chelsea
TV channel: The game will be broadcast on Amazon Prime Video. Coverage starts at 6.30pm GMT ahead of a 7.30pm GMT kick-off.
Live stream: The Amazon Prime website and app will offer subscribers a live stream.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.
Free highlights: Free highlights: In the UK, Match of the Day broadcasts on BBC One at 10.40pm GMT on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.
Southampton vs Chelsea team news
Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Flynn Downes and Tyler Dibling will all miss the visit of Chelsea through suspension after picking up their fifth yellow cards of the season in Saints’ draw with Brighton.
This leaves Russell Martin with a selection headache as he’s also without Aaron Ramsdale, Gavin Bazunu, Adam Lallana and Jan Bednarek because of injury. Furthermore, Ross Stewart, Paul Onuachu and William Smallbone are doubtful.
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Chelsea will be without captain Reece James and fellow defender Wesley Fofana because of a hamstring injuries, with the latter potentially in line to miss the entire festive period.
Wesley Fofana sustained a hamstring injury during Chelsea’s win against Aston Villa.
REUTERS
Southampton vs Chelsea prediction
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.
Chelsea to win 3-0.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Southampton: 22
Draws: 21
Chelsea: 40
Southampton vs Chelsea match odds
Southampton to win: 13/2
Draw: 7/2
Chelsea to win: 1/4
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).