Chelsea will be looking to continue their winning form later today when the Blues take on Southampton in the Premier League.
Goals from Nicolas Jackson, Enzo Fernandez, and Cole Palmer handed Chelsea a convincing 3-0 win over Aston Villa in their last outing, with the Blues currently third in the Premier League, joint on points with second-placed Arsenal. Enzo Maresca's side have hit their stride in recent weeks, and they'll be looking for another three points against bottom-of-the-league Southampton.
The Saints have endured a tough start to the season, winning just once in their opening 13 games, leaving them four points clear of safety. Wesley Fofana was forced off with an injury on the weekend, with the Frenchman set to join Reece James on the sidelines.
So, can Chelsea make it three Premier League wins in a row later today? Let's take a look.
Southampton vs Chelsea score predicted
To complete this simulation, we used EA FC 25 and updated the squads with the latest injuries and suspensions.
We predict that the Saints could set up in a 3-4-3 formation, with their line-up as follows: McCarthy; Walker-Peters, Stephens, Taylor; Sugawara, Fernandes, Aribo, Manning; Armstrong, Onuachu, Fraser.
We predict that the Blues could line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with their starting XI as follows: Sanchez; Gusto, Colwill, Badiashile, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson.
Chelsea were quick out the gates at St Mary's, with the Blues' early dominance being rewarded when they won a penalty nine minutes in. Palmer beat Kyle Walker-Peters to the ball before being tripped in the box, and the Chelsea man took the resulting spot kick, burying his effort in the bottom corner to make it 1-0.
The pressure from Maresca's side continued with Jackson coming close on two occasions after the opener, but Alex McCarthy made some great saves to deny the striker. The 'keepers strong start didn't continue for long though, with a howler allowing the Blues to double their lead before half-time.
Noni Madueke made it 2-0 to Chelsea
Noni Madueke made it 2-0 to Chelsea (Image: EA Sports)
As Chelsea hit the hosts on the break, Jackson did well to hold up possession before sliding a pass through for Noni Madueke. The winger used his pace to get away from his marker, and despite a poor shot aimed straight at the 'keeper, McCarthy flapped at the ball which eventually made its way over the line.
18 minutes into the second half, disaster struck for the Blues as Levi Colwill was sent off, with the defender judged to have fouled Adam Armstrong as the last defender. Moments after going down to 10 men, Yukinari Sugawara fired home from close range to make it 2-1, setting up a nervy end to the game for Maresca's side.
Southampton hit the woodwork twice in the closing stages as Chelsea rode their luck at times, but an overall impressive defensive display saw the Blues hold out for a huge three points on the south coast.
EA FC 25 pre dicted final score: Southampton 1-2 Chelsea
What do you think the final score will be? Let us know in the comments!
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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