Chelsea need to get back to winning ways

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Chelsea v Southampton preview

Two struggling teams in dire need of a turnaround meet on Tuesday night, as Chelsea host relegation-bound Southampton at Stamford Bridge.

Author - Lauren W

Southampton v Chelsea - View from the away end
Chelsea players celebrate scoring at Southampton

Enzo Maresca’s side come into the game off the back of three consecutive defeats in all competitions, the latest being a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa. Meanwhile, Southampton offered little resistance in a heavy 4-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.

There were at least some positives for Chelsea in their response to a 3-0 hammering by Brighton earlier this month. Maresca reportedly admitted that this loss was the "toughest" of his tenure so far. Their troubles away from home continue, with the Blues now winless in seven on the road and suffering four straight defeats.

However, Stamford Bridge has been far more forgiving. Chelsea have won three of their last four home games, scoring at least twice in each, with their only defeat in their last 18 matches at the Bridge coming against Fulham on Boxing Day.

For all of Chelsea’s recent struggles, their fans won’t get much sympathy from Southampton supporters. The Saints are edging closer to a seemingly inevitable return to the Championship and could yet set a new record for the lowest-ever Premier League points total.

Southampton did pull off a shock 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge in February 2023, but without James Ward-Prowse and his trademark free kicks, they were thrashed 5-1 at St Mary’s by Maresca’s side in December.

Team news

Chelsea will be without defender Trevor Chalobah after he was forced off injured against Aston Villa.

Despite a costly mistake at the weekend, goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen has been backed by Maresca to start again, while Pedro Neto is expected to continue leading the line.

For Southampton, Jan Bednarek is set to shake off a knock picked up against Brighton, and fellow defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis could return after missing the last three games with an ankle problem.

On-loan midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu is ineligible to face his parent club.

Location: London, UK

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