Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea host a struggling Southampton side at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League tonight with both sides in desperate need of a win.
The Blues have been unable to arrest a slide in form which has seen them win only two out of their last ten league outings. On the weekend, they were dealt a late blow by Aston Villa’s Marco Asensio, who scored the winning goal right at the death.
Defender Trevoh Chalobah is a definite absentee for tonight after picking up a knock in the opening exchanges at Villa Park. It is only a minor issue for the academy graduate, but one that will prevent him from featuring over the next fortnight.
Despite making a decisive mistake on Saturday, Maresca has reaffirmed his faith in Filip Jorgensen. The Danish stopper will retain his starting spot in between the sticks.
Due to the injuries to Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu, Pedro Neto may start through the middle again.
It was a heavy defeat for Southampton last Saturday as Brighton put four past them at St Mary’s Stadium without reply.
Jan Bednarek will miss the trip to the capital due to fatigue. However, their defensive options have been bolstered by the return of Taylor Harwood-Bellis. The 23-year-old has missed the last few weeks of action with an ankle complaint.
Southampton manager Ivan Juric has also confirmed that Flynn Downes will play tomorrow after being an unused substitute against Brighton.
Chelsea vs Southampton – Match preview and team news
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Chelsea: LWLLL
Chelsea’s recent bout of prolonged misery continued on Saturday as they lost 2-1 away to Aston Villa.
After taking an early lead, a toothless second half display allowed Marco Asensio to score a brace. The winner came in the 89th minute and goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen was largely at blame as the swerving shot slipped through his grasp.
It was the Blues’ fourth defeat in five games and a result that leaves them in seventh position. Their dip in form commenced in late December and has coincided with several injuries.
However, they’re next two league games are both at Stamford Bridge against two of the bottom three sides. They host Leicester at the weekend.
Those two matches in west London come either side of the first leg of their Europa Conference League round of 16 tie against FC Copenhagen.
