Although Chelsea’s victory over Spurs in the FA Cup on Saturday had no Premier League ramifications, it would surely have settled some nerves in the chase for the title. Chelsea’s form of late has been patchy, but a morale boosting win over their title rivals will boost confidence in the camp. Had they lost on Saturday, the Blues could easily have gone on to throw away the title.
Another positive to come out of Saturday’s game was Nathan Ake. Ake has spent much of the season on loan at Bournemouth, but made his first appearance of the season for the Blues in the semi-final and excelled as Gary Cahill’s replacement. It wasn’t a surprise to see the young Dutchman perform and he could put to bed any rumours that might emanate about signing a new defender for next season.
On the other hand, Michy Batshuayi was given a chance on Saturday, with Eden Hazard and Diego Costa rested, but failed to take advantage of his opportunity. On the plus side for Antonio Conte is that he was able to give a break to two key players ahead of the title run in and the potential double that can be won this season.
Chelsea vs. Southampton Predictions
This won’t be an easy game for Chelsea, especially after what happened at Stamford Bridge last year, but the ship has righted itself and Conte’s team will be back on track and focused after beating Spurs on Saturday. They also hold an advantage over Spurs, who don’t play until Wednesday, therefore a victory over Southampton will heap the pressure on the North London club.
Chelsea vs. Southampton Betting Tips
- Chelsea to win: 20/49
- Draw: 7/2
- Southampton to win: 29/4
- Eden Hazard to score anytime: 27/20
- Chelsea to win and both teams to score: 21/10
Head to Head
- Chelsea have lost just one of their last seven Premier League games at Stamford Bridge against Saints (W3 D3 L1), although this defeat came last season (1-3 loss in October 2015).
- The Blues have scored in 15 of their 17 Premier League home against Southampton, only failing to score in April 1995 (0-2 defeat) and December 2002 (0-0).
- Diego Costa has been directly involved in a goal in each of his last three Premier League appearances against Southampton (two goals, one assist).
- Costa is now on a five-match run without a goal in the Premier League, his longest goalless streak since he’s been at Chelsea.
- After losing just one Premier League match in six months between October 2016 and March 2017 (W19 D2 L1), Chelsea have already lost two games in April (W2 D0 L2).
- The Blues haven’t lost three Premier League matches in the same month since Octover 2015 under Jose Mourinho – one of which was against Southampton at Stamford Bridge.
- Southampton have won three of their last four Premier League away matches (W3 D0 L1), more than their previous 12 league games on the road in 2016/17 (W2 D3 L7).
- Chelsea have gone 10 Premier League games without keeping a clean sheet for the first time since December 1996 (13 games).
- Eden Hazard has been involved in 14 goals in his last 17 Premier League appearances at Stamford Bridge (11 goals, three assists).
Chelsea Team News
Gary Cahill missed the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday with illness and could miss out yet again. Nathan Ake is the likely replacement, while Eden Hazard and Diego Costa are expected to return to the starting line-up, with Willian and Pedro likely to be the players fighting it out for the other spot in Chelsea’s attacking line.
Southampton Team News
Oriol Romeu returns from suspension, but Alex McCarthy, Virgil van Dijk and Matt Targett remain out. Charlie Austin is close to returning, but no date has been set.
