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Key clashes vs Southampton: Chelsea looks to build on Palace thrashing

By Matthew Hancock-Bruce

Chelsea's Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga looks on during the English Premier League football match between Sheffield United and Chelsea at Bramall Lane in Sheffield, northern England on July 11, 2020. (Photo by Rui Vieira / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by RUI VIEIRA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea's Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga looks on during the English Premier League football match between Sheffield United and Chelsea at Bramall Lane in Sheffield, northern England on July 11, 2020. (Photo by Rui Vieira / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by RUI VIEIRA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Chelsea’s German striker Timo Werner (2nd R) celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal of the pre-season friendly football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Chelsea at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on August 29, 2020. – The game is a ‘pilot’ event where a small number of fans will be present on a socially-distanced basis. The aim is to get fans back into stadiums in the Premier League by October. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s German striker Timo Werner (2nd R) celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal of the pre-season friendly football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Chelsea at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on August 29, 2020. – The game is a ‘pilot’ event where a small number of fans will be present on a socially-distanced basis. The aim is to get fans back into stadiums in the Premier League by October. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /

2. Timo Werner & Hakim Ziyech vs. Jannik Vestergaard

If all goes to plan, this Saturday should see the long-awaited debut of Hakim Ziyech. The Moroccan has so far only appeared briefly in a preseason friendly against Brighton, during which he hobbled off injured after impressing early on.

One player who will very much welcome the arrival of former Ajax man’s creative abilities is Timo Werner. To say the German’s goalscoring has thus far been disappointing is an understatement. When he arrived at Stamford Bridge, much was made of his impressive 28 goal haul in last season’s Bundesliga. However, Werner has only managed to find the back of the net twice in a Blues shirt, the latest coming in an uninspiring League Cup tie against Tottenham.

Luckily, Werner’s first goal came in the aforementioned clash against Brighton with Ziyech providing a key pass leading to the goal. The pair showed glimpses of their potential in that game and Ziyech’s creative flair may be the key to unlocking Werner’s full potential. Last season, Ziyech managed 21 assists in the Eredivisie and Champions League. If he can replicate that form in the English top flight, it should be a very exciting season to watch for Blues fans.

One man standing in their way is the resurgent defensive force of Jannik Vestergaard. After seeing Harry Kane and Heung Min-Son combine to put five past his side, Ralph Hasenhuttl was swift to shake up the defence bringing in Vestergaard in place of Jack Stephens.

Vestergaard has impressed greatly since his return to the starting XI, helping to keep two clean sheets with a pair of Man of the Match worthy performances. With 26 clearances, Vestergaard ranks third in the Premier League this season while having played significantly fewer minutes than those above him. The Dane has also won an impressive 17 aerial duels, ranking him highly once again. At 6-foot-6 Vestergaard is an imposing figure and will be sure to make life difficult for Chelsea’s flashy forwards.

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