Predicted Southampton Lineup To Take On Chelsea
Southampton FC will embark on a trip to the Stamford Bridge, as they go head to head against Premier League leaders Chelsea on Tuesday night.
Claude Puel’s Saints sit at 9th place in the league standings and look good for a finish in the top half of the table. However, with things being so congested below them in the table, they wouldn’t want to risk their position in the coming weeks. Southampton haven’t played for almost two weeks, with their previous game being against Manchester City, where they were handed a 3-0 loss at the St. Mary’s. The last time Southampton and Chelsea clashed, Antonio Conte’s men were 2-0 winners.
Team News
No fresh injury concerns for Puel to deal with as the only players that remain unavailable are long-term absentees Virgil van Dijk, Matt Targett and Alex McCarthy. There is good news with striker Charlie Austin returning to training, but Tuesday might be a tad too soon for his return. Midfielder Oriol Romeu will be available after serving his two-match ban.
Here is how Southampton will line up at Stamford Bridge:
Southampton Probable XI:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Claude Puel
Fraser Forster (GK)
The giant Englishman has kept 11 clean sheets from 31 league games this term but hasn’t been at his consistent best. Will have to be at the top of his game to deny Chelsea.
Cedric Soares (RB)
The 25-year old fullback is always a threat while going forward, but will have his hands full, dealing with the outstanding Eden Hazard.
Jack Stephens (CB)
The young centre-half has stepped up nicely since the sale of Jose Fonte. Has the qualities to become a mainstay at the back for Southampton in the future.
Maya Yoshida (CB)
The 28-year old has taken up the mantle of leading the backline since Fonte’s departure and Van Dijk’s injury and has done a fine job. He will partner Stephens in the heart of the defence.
Ryan Bertrand (LB)
Probably one of the most under-rated left-backs in England, Bertrand has been a solid presence for the Saints while providing them an added dimension in the attack with his runs. He will start the game against his former side.
Steven Davies (CM)
The 32-year old is the man who strives for Southampton to get a foothold in the middle of the park. He will lead the team out at Stamford Bridge.
Oriol Romeu (CM)
Another former Chelsea man, Romeu has blossomed into a fine defensive midfielder this season with the Saints. Will be keen to prove a point against his former club.
James Ward-Prowse (RW)
The 22-year old is one of the most promising talents to have come through the academy at St. Mary’s in recent times. Having chipped in with 4 goals and 4 assists this term, he will be a key player for Puel’s side.
Dusan Tadic (CAM)
Southampton’s creator-in-chief. The 28-year old Serbian pulls the strings for the team by sitting behind the striker. Has the ability to change the course of the game in a matter of moments.
Nathan Redmond (LW)
The joint leading-scorer in the league for the club with Charlie Austin, Redmond has been an excellent addition in the summer and has missed just a single league game. Expect him to cause some havoc down the left-hand side.
Manolo Gabbiadini (ST)
4 goals in 4 league games after arriving in January, until he picked up an injury, Gabbiadini made a return to the fold against Manchester City. His zip and movement will pose a few problems to the Chelsea backline.