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Chelsea: Three things to look for during the trip to Southampton

By Gabe Henderson

Chelsea's German striker Timo Werner reacts after scoring during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge in London on October 17, 2020. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / 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 BEN STANSALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea's German striker Timo Werner reacts after scoring during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge in London on October 17, 2020. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / 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 BEN STANSALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Chelsea’s German striker Timo Werner reacts after scoring during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge in London on October 17, 2020. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s German striker Timo Werner reacts after scoring during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge in London on October 17, 2020. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

2. Timo Werner

One of the biggest storylines heading into this match is Timo Werner. The German forward scored a spectacular brace the last time out against the Saints and truth be told, it was his best game of the season. He’s struggled to get acclimated to the English top flight, or so we’re led to believe. Werner’s not matched his goal output from previous seasons in the Bundesliga, but he’s got 13 goal contributions in the Premier League this season alone.

Werner’s goal output is expected to rise in the near future though. He broke his 100-day and 1,000-minute goal drought in the league with a goal against Newcastle. Further, under Tuchel, he has one goal and three assists (arguably four, if you count his cross to Olivier Giroud for the opener against Newcastle) in the last three league games. Werner’s demanding attention now as he becomes more confident both on and off the ball. If he keeps it up, there’s seemingly no way the Blues can miss out on top four.

For these reasons, he’s one to watch against Southampton. Hasenhuttl’s side will go at Chelsea with a relentless press, which provides an opportunity for Werner to make the most of the space in behind. Tammy Abraham is set to miss the match and this isn’t a game that necessarily suits Giroud, so expect Werner to be the target man up top. This is perhaps the biggest clash of Werner’s season as he looks to round the corner and get into form ahead of the tough matches on the horizon.

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