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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport

Chelsea v Southampton: match preview

Chelsea v Southampton
Chelsea v Southampton: probable starters in bold, contenders in light

Antonio Conte expects to “suffer” against Southampton, which was a surprising choice of words before the visit of a team thrashed at home in midweek by Leicester. Yet Chelsea expect their visitors to be stung by that loss, and therefore much improved from the lethargic mishmash which succumbed too easily on the south coast. “The coach, the club, the players don’t want to extend a bad run, and will want to give a response against a team like Chelsea,” said Conte. “Manchester City only beat them recently in the 96th minute.” The champions will be wary. Dominic Fifield

Kick-off Saturday 3pm

Venue Stamford Bridge

Last season Chelsea 4 Southampton 2

Referee Roger East

This season G7, Y24, R1, 3.57 cards per game

Odds H 2-5 A 9-1 D 4-1

Chelsea

Subs from Caballero, Eduardo, Scott, Rüdiger, Clarke-Salter, Zappacosta, Kenedy, Bakayoko, Drinkwater, Ampadu, Sterling, Musonda, Batshuayi, Morata

Doubtful Drinkwater (match fitness), Morata (back)

Injured David Luiz (knee, 20 Dec)

Suspended None

Form WDWWLW

Discipline Y21 R3

Leading scorer Morata 9

Southampton

Subs from McCarthy, Taylor, Soares, Hoedt, Pied, Davis, Romeu, Boufal, Gabbiadini, Austin, McQueen, Sims, Bednarek, Gardos, Hesketh, Targett

Doubtful None

Injured None

Suspended None

Form LWLDDL

Discipline Y16 R0

Leading scorer Austin 5

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