Chelsea vs Southampton

Stamford Bridge forms the backdrop for a high-stakes Premier League showdown between Chelsea and Southampton.

Chelsea’s pursuit of a coveted top-four finish took another hit last weekend as they squandered an early lead in a 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa, failing to take advantage of Manchester City’s home tumble against Liverpool. Still only a point adrift of the Citizens, Enzo Maresca’s charges must bounce back from a dreadful run of four losses from their last five Premier League outings (W1). Southampton’s visit bodes well, not just because they won the reverse fixture 5-1. Indeed, the Blues have emerged victorious from 11 of their last 14 top-flight encounters against sides starting the round bottom of the table (D2, L1). Furthermore, they’ve won six out of seven league matches this season against teams starting the round 15th or lower. 

Meanwhile, a 4-0 demolition at the hands of Brighton at St Mary’s last weekend left Southampton nailed to the bottom of the table, a massive 13 points adrift of safety. Therefore, the Saints are on the verge of an immediate relegation to the Championship after amassing just nine points from the opening 25 rounds (W2, D3, L21). On a rare bright side, they could win back-to-back away matches in the Premier League for the first time since June 2020 after defeating Ipswich Town 2-1 on their last league road trip! Moreover, Southampton toppled Chelsea on their most recent top-flight visit to Stamford Bridge but haven’t won back-to-back away league H2Hs since 1985.