Chelsea vs Southampton score predictions: EFL Cup triumph?

Chelsea plays host to Southampton for the second time in the span of a month on Tuesday, this time in the Carabao Cup. The Blues got the better of Saints to kick off October, 3-1, in a relatively stressful and very difficult fixture. This contest will be stylistically similar as Thomas Tuchel and Ralph Hasenhuttl prepare to square off once again. Nevertheless, it’ll likely feature heavily rotated personnel on both sides. The EFL Cup, while important to many, doesn’t take precedent over the Premier League. Injuries and/or suspensions will see both sides without a couple of their best players, meaning the “back ups” will have to step up.

Here is how The Pride of London team sees the contest playing out:

Mike Malley: 3-0 Chelsea

I do not want to speak to soon, but it feels like the Blues are about to go on a run of epic proportions. After thoroughly dismantling Norwich at the weekend, Chelsea will face another domestic opponent struggling for form in Southampton. The final scoreline should be relativley similar. Ross Barkley and other forgotten members of the squad will probably get a run out, but Saints simply cannot match the talent level of the European champions. Armando Broja’s inability to play in the match makes me feel a lot better, as well.

Olaoluwa Nwobodo: 2-0 Chelsea

The Blues have already faced Southampton, so they should know what to expect in this game. They nearly didn’t win that game and the 3-1 scoreline flattered them. Sadly this will be even more difficult because it’ll be another line-up of players who haven’t played together much.

Leighton September: 5-0 Chelsea

No matter which team is picked by Tuchel, it’s seen as a winning formula. He has brought a winning mentality to Stamford Bridge and the players are well in that habit. The Blues are scoring goals for fun at the moment and I doubt it’ll be any different in this match.

Anthony Gatt: 2-0 Chelsea

I expect a lot of rotation to happen for this game with players who don’t play together regularly. Therefore, we won’t see the same outrageous performance that happened at the weekend. Regardless, this team has kept three clean sheets in a row, scoring 12 in the process. I believe that form will continue with the Blues winning 2-0 and heading into the next round.

Olly Smith: 2-1 Chelsea

Let’s not allow the 3-1 scoreline last time out to deceive us, this will be tight to the last minute. Chelsea only squeaked past Saints last time out because of a James Ward-Prowse red card and two late goals. Yes, the Blues looked menacing going forward against Norwich, but they could play without fear of the counter because Norwich was never going to pose that threat. Southampton, on the other hand, can hit on the break.

Saints are far more defensively sound than the Canaries and cup football is a whole different beast. Tuchel will make a few changes, but not many. Ruben Loftus-Cheek will have another wonder of a game, Callum Hudson-Odoi will be a terror down the flank, Marcos Alonso will score if he features and Kepa Arrizabalaga will make two big saves at the end to preserve the win.

Kevin Peacock: 3-0 Chelsea

Cobham FC did a great job of dispatching Norwich at the weekend and although Tuchel is likely to rotate once again, so will Southampton. Chelsea will continue to keep pushing for a sextuple of trophies and even though performances haven’t yet peaked, if they do, Tuchel’s side will match anyone. Expect Barkley, Alonso and Arrizabalaga to shine.

Gabe Henderson: 2-0 Chelsea

This won’t be as comfortable as many will like, but a win is a win is a win in the EFL Cup. Chelsea will field a heavily rotated side meaning it will lack cohesion and understanding for each other. Nevertheless, Tuchel’s defenses seldom concede goals and injuries limit the attacking rotation, that’ll be enough to take the Blues into the next round.

Hugo Amaya: 2-0 Chelsea

Chelsea will continue its good form, despite all the rotations. The Blues have a superior arsenal at their disposal and Tuchel knows how to use it. Although Southampton will come close a couple of times and put Chelsea on the back foot, it won’t be enough. A goal in each half will secure the win for the Blues.

What is your score prediction? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!