Chelsea kept up their march towards the Premier League title with a comfortable 2-0 win over fellow London club West Ham United. The game was touted to be a tough one for the blues since West Ham were playing a better brand of football and were in 4th place before the start of the game. Chelsea continue their festive period schedule with a trip to Southampton as the fixtures pile up.
We predict the Chelsea line up as they take on another club which has defied expectations, Southampton now occupy the 4th position and could pose a real challenge to Chelsea.
Thibaut Courtois
No doubts about who continues in goal, Thibaut Courtois is probably one of the best goalkeepers in the world and hasn’t put a foot wrong since he started for Chelsea in place of Petr Cech. The Belgian should continue in goal and will look to keep back to back clean sheets for the blues.
Branislav Ivanovic
The big Serbian has been brilliant for Chelsea all season and has been one of their most reliable players. Good in defending and attacking down the right flank, he should continue as their right back against the Saints.
Gary Cahill
The best English defender currently, Gary Cahill has formed a great partnership with John Terry as they continue keeping the opposition out, Jose will not be wanting to tinker with this combination.
John Terry
The Captain of Chelsea, John Terry was at his best against West Ham and will continue during the Sunday game against the Saints.
Felipe Luis
One change that could happen against Southampton is bringing in Felipe Luis in place of Azpilicueta, Chelsea might want a more robust and stronger left back against Southampton and the Brazilian would be the ideal candidate for that position.
Cesc Fabregas
Another one of Jose untouchables, Cesc Fabregas seems to have made Chelsea his home and Arsenal fans would be pretty upset with the Spanish midfielder but now he is a Chelsea player and his assists this season have set the Chelsea machine on a roll.
Nemanja Matic
The Serbian is the one player that seems to define how Chelsea play. Without his sweeping up and tackling they seem a completely different side and he is one player that cannot be dropped from the team.
Andre Schurrle
Andre Schurrle hasn’t impressed as much as he would have liked to when he came to Chelsea and has often been on the bench, he should get a start against Southampton in place of Willian and hopefully do enough to get a continuous run in the team.
Oscar
The Brazilian has made a starting place all his own in the last season and a half. Oscar plays down the middle right behind the striker and provides support when needed, although he isn’t the best defensively, he is slowly becoming an untouchable in the Chelsea XI.
Eden Hazard
Eden Hazard goes from strength to strength while playing for Chelsea, one of the most dynamic players at Chelsea at the moment. There really isn’t anyone in the team who can provide what Eden does for Chelsea and he should continue playing in the wing.
Diego Costa
The Spanish striker scored yet another goal for Chelsea in the league this season and has now netted 13 times in just 15 games for the blues in the league. You certainly won’t want to replace one of the best strikers in the game, you could sub him in the second half but Chelsea should start with Costa.