Southampton vs Chelsea is a pivotal Premier League clash, with both teams entering the game under vastly different circumstances. Chelsea, riding high on the back of consecutive league victories, are firmly in the hunt for a top-four finish.
Meanwhile, Southampton languishes at the bottom of the table, desperately needing points to climb out of the relegation zone. As these teams square off at St Mary’s, the lineups will be critical in determining the match’s outcome.
The Saints are grappling with multiple suspensions and injuries, forcing manager Russell Martin to rethink his starting XI. For Chelsea, Enzo Maresca faces a selection dilemma with key players unavailable and a crucial match against Spurs looming on the horizon.
Russell Martin’s Southampton are heavily depleted ahead of this clash. Defensive stability remains a significant concern, especially with Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Flynn Downes, and Tyler Dibling all suspended after accumulating yellow cards.
Coupled with the ongoing absence of Jan Bednarek, Southampton’s defence is threadbare. Nathan Wood and Jack Stephens are likely to form a makeshift centre-back partnership, with full-backs Sugawara and Kyle Walker-Peters adding experience to the flanks.
In midfield, the absence of Lesley Ugochukwu, who is ineligible to face his parent club, and injuries to Adam Lallana and Paul Onuachu leave limited options.
Joe Aribo is expected to anchor the midfield, supported by Kamaldeen Sulemana and Adam Armstrong. Up front, Cameron Archer remains the Saints' primary goal threat.
Joe Lumley will retain his place in goal, following his solid Premier League debut. Expect a 5-4-1 formation: Lumley; Sugawara, Wood, Stephens, Walker-Peters, Fraser; Fernandes, Aribo, Sulemana, Armstrong; Archer.
Here is how the side last lined up
Chelsea’s depth allows them to navigate injury woes more effectively. Maresca is expected to make several changes to preserve freshness ahead of Sunday’s derby with Tottenham.
Malo Gusto could replace Reece James at right-back, while Benoît Badiashile partners Levi Colwill in central defence, given Wesley Fofana's injury. In midfield, Moisés Caicedo and Romeo Lavia might pair up, potentially displacing Enzo Fernández.
The attacking trio could include Noni Madueke and Christopher Nkunku alongside the in-form Nicolas Jackson, who leads the line.
(4-3-3): Sánchez; Gusto, Badiashile, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Lavia, Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson.
Here is how the side last lined up