Chelsea’s fearsome opponent travels

With Southampton, Chelsea FC receive a not too welcome guest at Stamford Bridge. The Saints have only picked up more points at Aston Villa and Crystal Palace than at the Blues Moreover, Hasenhüttl’s men now face Thomas Tuchel’s charges at possibly the best possible time, after they suffered two defeats in a row in the league and Champions League recently. They have not lost two games in a row at home since December 2019. Opponents then: Southampton.

The Saints seem to be something of a fear opponent for Chelsea in the recent past. None of their last three games have been won against Southampton One defeat and two draws don’t really sound convincing. Nevertheless, they travel with a defeat from the last league match in their luggage and are therefore not brimming with self-confidence. It is therefore not surprising that Chelsea are favoured to win against Southampton according to the odds.

The situation is similar for Chelsea, who lost both top games recently. First, they were deservedly beaten by Manchester City at home last week. Then they lost at struggling Torino in the Champions League. The Blues are determined to turn things around. The biggest sticking point of late has been the faltering attack around Romelu Lukaku

Chelsea – Statistics & current form

Before those two defeats, Thomas Tuchel’s side were characterised by outstanding efficiency. From an Expected-Goals-Value of 8.4, the Blues managed to score twelve goals and are clearly above par. On the one hand, this speaks for a terrific efficiency, on the other hand, it becomes clear that they are struggling to create chances at the moment.

No Mount, no Party

With that in mind, Mason Mount, who was last on the pitch in the 3-0 away win at Tottenham on matchday five and is regarded as the lynchpin of the attack, continues to be sorely missed. His absence deprives last year’s Champions League winners of some of their scoring threat In addition, Ngolo Kante will be absent due to illness

Romelu Lukaku faces favourite opponent

The new-old Chelsea number nine can look back on an encouraging statistic in the clash. Against no other team in the Premier League (except West Ham) has the brawny striker, who joined from Inter Milan in the summer and returned to his heart’s club, scored more goals than against Southampton. In twelve games he scored nine goals against the Saints, just as he did against the Hammers.

While the shoe is a little tight up front, the Blues can rely on their defence and especially on goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The keeper has the best save percentage of any goalkeeper in the league who has played more than one game so far Of all the shots that come at his goal, he saves 90%

Saturdays at 4pm

Aside from the double burden during the week, which certainly took energy, the Blues will have been pleased with the time of the scheduling of this game. Chelsea have gone unbeaten five times in a row (three wins, two draws) when they take on Saturdays at 4pm. The last time they lost in this slot was in December 2019

According to bookmakers, Chelsea vs Southampton is a clear favourite based on the betting odds. Everything expects a win for the Blues. The importance of this match is immense. They are desperate to avoid three defeats in a row before they go into the international break and then travel to the derby at promoted Brentford. Still, it’s worth noting that three of the four defeats so far under Tuchel have come at home

Predicted Chelsea line-up :
Mendy – Rüdiger, Christensen, Azplicueta – Alonso, Kovacic, Jorginho, James – Havertz – Werner, Lukaku

Last Chelsea games :

Southampton – Statistics & current form

The reasons for last year’s winless streak since the start of the season can be found relatively quickly. The offensive is giving coach Hasenhüttl a hard time. The team has gone three games without scoring a goal of its own With only four goals from six games, they have the third worst offensive performance in the league Only Norwich and Wolverhampton are worse in this respect.

This goal-less streak is not the first time, however. They have had similar negative streaks seven times before. The last time was in October 2018, when they even went five games without scoring a goal of their own. With Chelsea vs. Southampton, odds in this direction can bring attractive value.

Dependence on Adam Armstrong

The newcomer from Blackburn Rovers, who joined in the summer for over 17 million euros, developed in a very short time into an absolute performer for the red and whites. No other player took more shots than him. In addition, he created six goal-scoring chances and is thus involved in 33% of all Saints’ goals.

In order to finally land a win, it will be important that other players besides Armstrong finally deliver. The 1996/1997 and 1998/1999 seasons were the only times in the club’s history that they went seven games without a win. In both seasons, they finished 17th in the table, narrowly avoiding promotion. Despite all that, they could still live with a point at Stamford Bridge

Away weak Saints

The latest away stats won’t give too much hope in that regard. The Saints have only won one of their last 16 away games They have been winless away from home for eight games now. Since September 2019, they have not been able to stay nil twice in a row. This weekend they will try again.

In terms of personnel, coach Ralph Hasenhüttl will have some reason to rotate. It remains to be seen who he ultimately trusts the most in this important game. Apart from the result of this match, the international break comes just in time. It will be a tough season for the Saints. It will probably go down to the wire against relegation.

Predicted Southampton line-up:
Mc Carthy – Livramento, Bednarek, Salisu, Walker-Peters – Elyounoussi, Romeu, Ward-Prowse, Redmond – Armstrong, Adams

Last matches played by Southampton:

Chelsea – Southampton Direct Comparison / H2H Record

The direct comparison speaks a clear language despite the recent encounters between the two teams. Out of 44 duels, the Blues could decide 24 in their favour. Eleven games ended in a draw and Southampton won nine. The goal average per game is 2.75. The last meeting at Stamford Bridge was a real goal festival and ended in a 3-3 draw in October last year. It is hard to imagine that so many goals will be scored again this time given the recent results of both teams.

Chelsea – Southampton Tip

One of two notable statistics could snap or worsen in this game. While Chelsea are the team with the most goals in the first 45 minutes along with Liverpool, Southampton are the only team along with Manchester City who have yet to concede a goal inside the first half.

Whether there will be a spectacle like last October between these two teams remains doubtful. Nevertheless, we expect Chelsea with anger in their belly after the last two games to get on the winning track as early as possible.

OPTA-FACTS – CHELSEA VS. SOUTHAMPTON TIP
Southampton have won only one of their last 16 away matches.
 – Striker Romelu Lukaku does not score more often against any team in the Premier League.
 – Three of four defeats under Tuchel have been at home
 – Chelsea have waited three games for a win against the Saints
 – Southampton failed to score in five of their last eight league games

Chelsea should be superior in all aspects against Southampton in line with the odds despite their last two winless games and win the game for themselves. We expect a win to nil and bet 5 units on that. With odds around 2.10, attractive value is guaranteed. Nevertheless, the Blues have not been convincing at all lately, especially on the offensive, which is why we think a game with a total of few goals is also possible.