Southampton Predicted XI: Chelsea (H)
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Southampton host Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon and the Saints will be looking to get their season back on track.
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side have lost six consecutive top-flight matches and an almost relentless spell of injuries have cost the south coast side a host places in the table.
Those injury woes have reared once more as Hasenhuttl confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Kyle Walker-Peters will be out for two to three more weeks, whilst Theo Walcott and Ibrahima Diallo are also still absent.
The two played out an entertaining 3-3 draw at Stamford Bridge back in October, however, since then the Blues have had a change in management and with it a turnaround in fortunes.
Youngster Alex Jankewitz will be available once again after his suspension following an ill-fated debut saw the midfielder dismissed for a straight red card against Manchester United.
Here’s how we think Hasenhuttl will line his side up…
GK - Alex McCarthy
Endured a rather wretched time of late but has proven to be the first choice in the past and will come again.
RB - Jack Stephens
Perhaps out of position but Hasenhuttl’s hands are tied here and his defensive nouse can’t be questioned.
Attacking influence less so.
CB - Jan Bednarek
Needs another big performance at the heart of the defence with the Saints shipping goals recently.
CB - Jannik Vestergaard
Getting back up to match fitness now and will be imperative if Southampton are going to get anything from the game.
LB - Ryan Bertrand
Difficult task on his hands against his former club whoever Chelsea choose on their right-hand side.
Will be desperate to get forwards and support.
CDM - Oriol Romeu
Will have plenty of attacks to spoil in the engine room of what could be an intense midfield battle.
CM - James Ward-Prowse
His quality when Southampton gain possession will be crucial.
Likely to not enjoy much of the ball so it’s important the use is productive when they do.
CM - Stuart Armstrong
Energy likely to be a key in the midfield and his willingness to do the dirty work could prove crucial.
RW - Takumi Minamino
Big impact on debut and will be hopeful of grabbing another opportunity here.
LW - Nathan Redmond
Could be a difficult afternoon’s work defensively but must remain switched on to any attacking opportunities.
CF - Danny Ings
Has to take his chances and well capable of being the difference in any match.
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