Chelsea at Southampton score predictions: A must-win match

It hasn’t been a good week for Chelsea, and that’s putting it lightly. The reigning Champions League winners have allowed seven goals in their last two matches after conceding four at home to Brentford and three to Karim Benzema midweek. Real Madrid takes a 3-1 advantage back to the Santiago Bernabeu and the Blues are on the brink of being bounced from the UCL in the quarterfinal stage. Luckily, the loss to the Bees didn’t do much as Arsenal also dropped points in the top four race. However, this doesn’t mean Chelsea can continue to slip up.

The Blues’ lead in third is not as steady as one may think. They hold just a five-point advantage over both Tottenham and Arsenal, given both themselves and the latter have a game in-hand over Spurs. Nevertheless, this highlights just how little room there is for error as we head into the last nine games of the season. Thomas Tuchel’s men now face the daunting task of returning home from Southampton with all three points. Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men have proven stubborn over the years and one can imagine this match will be no different. It’s going to be a scrap as the visitors travel to St. Mary’s Stadium in desperate need of a victory.

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

Bo Martin: 0-1 Chelsea

This promises to be another drawn out affair against a squad that Chelsea should be beating comfortably. I’m not sure what’s contributed to it—the vast amount of games, the summer of international play combined with recent World Cup qualification or the drama surrounding the club’s ownership—but the Blues have performed far below their ability recently. I expect that to continue here with an early goal being the only differentiator.

Olaoluwa Nwobodo: 1-3 Chelsea

The only way is up, really.

Caden Charpentier: 0-3 Chelsea

Coming off back-to-back losses, this team has to make a statement heading into the second leg against Real Madrid. Kai Havertz continues his good form, and the Blues ride the wave into the mid-week for a potential comeback Champions League win in the Spanish capital. A shutout performance for the defense is very much needed after letting in seven goals in two matches. Saints are a quality squad, but Chelsea and Tuchel need this game more than anything.

Olly Smith: 3-2 Southampton

When it rains, it pours. Chelsea will play well but will be denied twice by VAR. Previously three losses like this would be cause for concern for the manager’s job, but not Tuchel. Alongside Havertz, Mason Mount, Ben Chilwell and Reece James, Tuchel feels like the only other untouchable. Here’s to hoping the Blues can keep him and this prediction ages terribly.

Anthony Gatt: 1-1 Draw

Based on current form, I believe a draw will be the best result Chelsea gets on Saturday at St. Mary’s. Prove me wrong.

Gabe Henderson: 1-2 Chelsea

I won’t predict a clean sheet until the Blues prove they can keep a clean sheet. Their defense has been atrocious in the last two matches and I believe Havertz’s inclusion in the starting XI will be Chelsea’s only saving grace on Saturday. A must-win with the pressure slowly beginning to build.

Mike Malley: 0-1 Chelsea

One point from their last four matches, three goals scored in those matches, no Broja on Saturday. Chelsea has to win and keep a clean sheet against Saints on Saturday. There are no more excuses.

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