CHELSEA visit rock-bottom Southampton looking to clinch a fourth-successive victory in all competitions.
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Southampton vs Chelsea preview
Chelsea arrive at St Mary's in fine form having put in their most well-rounded performance of the year against Aston Villa on Sunday.
The Blues swept aside their below-par opponents 3-0 at Stamford Bridge courtesy of goals from Nicolas Jackson, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer.
The victory was their third on the bounce in all competitions and second in the Premier League to leave them in joint-second position alongside Arsenal.
Only Tottenham have scored more league goals than Enzo Maresca's high-flying side this season, while table-topping Liverpool are the only side to boast a better record on the road.
Chelsea have registered 13 points from a possible 18, scoring the most goals (14) and losing only to Arne Slot's side at Anfield back in October.
It's an entirely different story for hosts Southampton.
Russell Martin's side are rock-bottom of the division with five points and just one victory that came against Everton.
They did manage to prevent a third successive defeat against Brighton on Friday, and were perhaps a touch unfortunate not to get all three points after a controversial VAR decision to deny Cameron Archer.
They might also be boosted by the fact they completed the double over Chelsea during their last stint in the Premier League, winning 2-1 and 1-0.
However, before that victory Chelsea had won six of the last seven at St Mary's, scoring 21 goals in seven meetings. Meanwhile Saints are without first-team trio Flynn Downes, Tyler Dibling and Taylor Harwood-Bellis out.
Southampton vs Chelsea preview betting odds
Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
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Southampton vs Chelsea preview betting tips and predictions
Away goals
Southampton have been their own worst enemies at the back this season. They've conceded 25 goals in 13 matches, including 22 defensive errors with EIGHT of those slip-ups leading to goals -- three more than the next top-flight club.
That's not ideal against a Chelsea side who boast the highest expected goals (xG) from open play (20.95). Given Enzo Maresca's side have scored more goals away from home than any other Premier League side - we expect they will be capable of scoring at least three on Wednesday.
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Nico time
If Chelsea are to score a handful as we predict, it's likely that in-form Nicolas Jackson will get on the scoresheet.
The 23-year-old trails only Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah and Chris Wood in the Premier League goalscoring charts this season with eight - six less than he managed in the entirety of last season.
Over the last four matches, he's struck more efforts on target than any Chelsea player (7) and has the most touches in the opposition penalty area (24).
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