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

3. Southampton’s new blood vs. the Chelsea Pensioners

Whilst Frank Lampard and Marina Granovskaia got the bulk of their transfer business done early, the Saints were involved in a pair of last minute deals. Ibrahima Diallo and Theo Walcott were brought in from Stade Brest and Everton respectively.

In Diallo, Hasenhuttl hopes to fill the huge void left by Pierre-Emile Hoijbjerg after the club captain was sold to Tottenham earlier in the summer. The Frenchman doesn’t have a wealth of experience at the top level, but comparisons to compatriot N’Golo Kante have already been made. If he is even half the player of Chelsea’s No. 7 then a clash between the two on Saturday could be mouth-watering.

Southampton fans will be hoping Diallo can shore up the midfield and defensive line, allowing new recruits Walcott and Kyle Walker-Peters to cause trouble on the wing. Without Mendy, much of Chelsea’s defensive hopes will rely on aging duo Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva. Therefore, Southampton’s new look right wing could pose a serious threat, especially as Chilwell looks set to miss the tie through injury.

Theo Walcott may have only had five league goal contributions last season, but still only 31—shocking, I know—there is still hope the tricky winger can recapture his undoubted talent at his boyhood club. Behind him will be another new addition, Walker-Peters, whose loan spell was made permanent this summer.

After a slow start to life on the south coast Walker-Peters found his form when the Premier League restarted in June, earning him a bumper five-year deal with the club. The young fullback adds defensive solidity and his inspired assist for Ings in the Tottenham, showing his ability to create goals too. If the pair hits the ground running, Silva and Azpilicueta could find themselves hoping for an early night and a hot cup of cocoa.

What are some key clashes you’ll be keeping an eye on? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!