After Wednesday’s humiliating 4-1 defeat at home to Leicester City, Saints will be hoping for a very much improved performance as they prepare to visit Premier League title-holders Chelsea.
Former Southampton boss Claude Puel enjoyed a successful return to St Mary’s, whilst the hosts put in a shambolic performance.
Chelsea swept Huddersfield aside in their last league outing, as they comfortably won 3-1 at the John Smith’s Stadium. The Blues, who sit 3rd in the league and are 17 points ahead of Saints, will be looking to win again and try to keep up with the two Manchester clubs.
Last time this fixture was played, Chelsea overcame their visitors 4-2, with goals from Eden Hazard, Diego Costa and Gary Cahill. Saints had Oriol Romeu and Ryan Bertrand to thank for their goals, but Antonio Conte’s side took the spoils.
Hazard gave Chelsea the lead in the 5th minute, but Romeu evened things up in the 24th with a goal from a corner. Cahill headed his side back in front on the stroke of half-time, before two second-half efforts from Diego Costa put the game to bed.
Ryan Bertrand’s late consolation proved worthless, as Chelsea went one step closer to winning the Premier League title.
