Predicted Chelsea XI to face Southampton in the Premier League

Chelsea claimed all three points with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Crystal Palace away from home in the Premier League on Sunday and the Blues will once again be the favourites when they play host to Southampton on Wednesday night.

Maurizio Sarri’s men currently sit 4th in the Premier League standings with 43 points from 20 games, five points clear of fifth-placed Arsenal and they will be looking to climb into the top three with another win on Wednesday.

Southampton suffered a 3-1 defeat a the hands of Manchester City in their previous game and the Saints will be keen to get something out of this fixture.

Team News

Olivier Giroud suffered an ankle injury against Crystal Palace and is unlikely to play a part in the mid-week clash while Ruben Loftus-Cheek (lower back) and Cesc Fabregas (neck) are also doubtful to make it to the matchday squads. Pedro is ruled out with a hamstring problem while Callum Hudson-Odoi will be pushing for a return from his thigh injury.

Manager: Maurizio Sarri

Formation: 4-3-3

Predicted XI

1. Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK)

The Spaniard didn’t have much to do in the last game and has always been a reliable presence between the sticks.

2. Cesar Azpilicueta (RB)

He is a seasoned campaigner for Chelsea and it is unlikely that Sarri will give him a break.

3. David Luiz (CB)

The Brazilian set up the goal in the last game with a wonderful lobbed pass and has been one of the standout performers at the back for the Blues.

4. Antonio Rudiger (CB)

The German international has had a good season so far and has put in multiple solid shifts at the heart of the defence.

5. Marcos Alonso (LB)

He has been a little below-par in the last couple of months and hasn’t contributed with goals and assists but Sarri should continue to rely on him.

6. Jorginho (CDM)

He has passed the ball around in the middle of the park and has dictated the tempo of the game.

7. Mateo Kovacic (LCM)

Ross Barkley started against Palace so Sarri is likely to give the Croatian a start on Wednesday.

8. N’Golo Kante (RCM)

The Frenchman has risen to the occasion in a more advanced role in the last few games and he will be high on confidence after scoring the winner against Palace.

9. Eden Hazard (LW)

He wasn’t at his best against Palace and Chelsea will need their talisman to fire on all cylinders in the mid-week clash.

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10. Willian (RW)

The Brazilian had his best ninety minutes against Palace in quite a long time and Chelsea will need him to keep up his good work.

11. Alvaro Morata (ST)

He came on as a substitute in the last game but might get a start in the absence of Giroud and Pedro.