Antonio Conte went with his starting XI that won three consecutive Premier League clean sheets for Chelsea. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.
Chelsea fans were concerned, to put it mildly, to see Branislav Ivanovic entering St. Mary’s Stadium in the pre-match video. John Terry’s return to the lineup and debut in the 3-4-3 contributed to the Blues falling out of one tournament. The prospect of Branislav Ivanovic trying to hold a high line against Charlie Austin was a bit more than many could stomach.
Rest assured, the Serb returns to Conte’s side as a substitute alongside John Terry. Chelsea’s starting XI against Southampton are the same that outscored Hull, Leicester and Manchester United 9-0.
Chelsea team today: Courtois; Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Cahill (c); Moses, Kante, Matic, Alonso; Pedro, Diego Costa, Hazard. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 30, 2016
Joining the two veteran centre-backs on the bench are several other starters from the EFL Cup loss. Conte is holding Oscar, Wilian and Michy Batshuayi in reserve. Eden Hazard, Pedro and Diego Costa return to their rightful place in the front line.
Chelsea substitutes v Southampton: Begovic, Ivanovic, Terry, Chalobah, Oscar, Willian, Batshuayi. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 30, 2016
Nathaniel Chalobah is the only youngster in the squad this afternoon. Ruben Loftus-Cheek remains a pariah, watching the storm clouds gather over his previous Blue skies. Ola Aina and Dominic Solanke – a starter and unused substitute, respectively, against West Ham – also did not make the cut.
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Conte’s decision to include two centre-backs but only one Academy prospect may indicate that he is currently more interested in reassuring his veterans than his youth. It is hard to envision a scenario where Conte would send on both Ivanovic and Terry. Likewise, there are few situations where Conte would specifically need one of the senior centre-backs but not the other.
John Terry’s place in Chelsea long-term is relatively assured, albeit in a reduced and transitional role. Ivanovic’s transfer from Chelsea is equally likely. The main question is whether he will leave in the winter transfer window or linger until the summer.
Facing Chelsea today will be two former Blues. Ryan Bertrand and Oriol Romeu are in Southampton’s starting XI. Romeu will be a pivotal figure in the match as he attempts to harness Eden Hazard on the Saints’ right flank. As that battle goes, so will the game.