Chelsea FC Face Southampton: Predictions!
Chelsea FC and Southampton square off in a Premier League clash this afternoon. Will the Blues be able to carry on their recent good form?
The Premier League returns to our TV screens this afternoon after a weekend away. Chelsea will make the short trip down south to take on Southampton at St Mary’s. As we like to do every so often, I’ve had a whip-round the virtual Pride Of London office to see how our writers see this one playing out.
Eric McCoy: Southampton away is definitely a tricky fixture. They are always well organized and difficult to break down. That said, I think we’ve looked a lot better recently, and I always try and skew optimistic when possible, so I’m going to go with a 2-1 Chelsea win. I don’t trust us to keep a clean sheet, but I think our attack can grab us a couple goals.
Neal Madhavan: One thing is for sure, Southampton are nowhere near as awful as Newcastle. A win against the sixth place Saints would certainly aid in Chelsea’s climb back up the table. But, despite recent results, I’m inclined to lean towards a 1-1 draw. I just don’t trust us in the league yet…
Devesh Rasgotra: Southampton 1-1 Chelsea. The Saints have crept into 6th place in the league relatively under the radar. Whilst we played well against an undermanned Manchester City, the Paris Saint-Germain game is a true reflection of where Chelsea is at the moment. It will be a tough game and I believe that we will battle to a draw.
Andre Carlisle: Last time we played Southampton we lost 3-1 and Sadio Mané did predictable things to Branislav Ivanovic. Yet somehow I’m optimistic. The unfortunate fortune of injury allowed Hiddink to discover that Baba Rahman is good, Ivanovic is a much better CB than RB at this stage of his career, and playing Baba allows Azpilicueta to romp on his natural flank. I think that continues to work, Costa scores, and Willian does his ‘one-man-counter-attack’ thing to create another. 2-0
Taylor Anderson: I think, despite our form in the Cup, we’ll still struggle a bit in the league and Saints are a tough side. The cup and Champions League are our two goals this season, I wouldn’t be surprised to see some youth players in the side and for Saints to exploit that. It will be a 1-1 draw, but we could also secure the 3 points if Hazard continues his good form. I’m torn on this one, as you can probably tell.
Marco Vonderheide: Hoping I’m wrong…The Saints are currently on an incredible run, winning 5 of the last 6 matches without conceding a goal. Because of this, I can’t see Chelsea coming away from St Mary’s with a victory. We’ve seen more positives from Chelsea recently and Hiddink has them playing the best they have all season. However, it won’t be enough and the Saints will continue their streak with a 2-1 victory.
Anoop Ramakrishnan: Irrespective of the Saints’ form and higher table position and irrespective of the fact that the Blues’ recent hot streak was against weaker opposition, I believe this upcoming match will be more of an evenly contested one. Considering our overall season thus far, I see all small improvements as big positives. Hazard’s show vs City and Traore’s recent run are two such positives and along with a resurgent Costa-Cesc dyad, should see us through against the plucky Saints. I’m going for an ambitious 3-1 score in our favour.
As for me? I’m going to be that guy who says 2-0 to the hosts. Ronald Koeman’s men are flying and Chelsea’s decent domestic run must come to an end at some point. Today is the day.
Next: Chelsea FC Predicted XI For Southampton: Changes, Changes Nowhere?
What are your predictions for the game? Will the Blues snatch a late one? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!