Chelsea players celebrate after a goal. (Getty Images)
A confident Chelsea will be aiming for a second successive league victory when they host a lowly Southampton at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day.
Manager Frank Lampard’s Blues are once again back to winning ways after overcoming Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham 2-0 on their own turf.
Meanwhile, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Saints would also be a happy bunch after climbing out of the relegation zone by overcoming Aston Villa 3-1 in their last league outing.
Though both the sides enter the match after a confident display last weekend, Chelsea look to be stronger on paper and it would be an uphill task for the Saints to overcome them at their home.
Chelsea will be without suspended midfielder Matteo Kovacic, who picked up his fifth yellow card of the season in the game against Tottenham.
Meanwhile, skipper Cezar Azpilicueta, who injured his thigh in the last game, remains under assessment and could be rested considering the Blues’ tight schedules ahead.
Long-term absentees Marco van Ginkel and Ruben Loftus-Cheek still remain ruled out as they recover from their respective injuries.
The Spaniard has not had the best of seasons so far but he remains Chelsea’s No.1 keeper and is a sure starter.
Despite returning from a long injury lay off very recently, the German never looked troubled and has been rock-solid until now.
The Frenchman can at times be prone to errors but did a splendid job against Tottenham and would be keen to continue his good form.
Tomori’s impressive displays have left Lampard with no option but to include the academy graduate into the starting eleven.
With Azpilicueta remaining a doubt, young James might feature in the first-team. He has put up a good show whenever given the chance.
An inevitable presence in any midfield, Kante is Chelsea’s midfield engine. A dynamic customer, Kante could be seen everywhere on the pitch.
With Kovacic suspended, Jorginho should start in the middle alongside Kante and will be responsible for orchestrating the Blues attack from deep.
He has not had many chances this season, however, he did a splendid job against Tottenham and may get the chance to start again.
Chelsea’s man of the match last game, Willian will surely be handed a start by Lampard. The veteran shut his critics once again by scoring a brace.
The youngster is good at linking up the play, especially in the final third, and is a tireless customer. He is most likely to retain his place after a good game last time out.
The Blues top-scorer has not scored in his last three league outings and will be looking forward to ending his goal drought when they meet the Saints.
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