Chelsea travels to St. Mary’s Stadium on Saturday in search of a second consecutive victory. The reigning Club World Cup Champions earned three massive points at Stamford Bridge last weekend against Leicester City. The home side went down to 10 minutes inside the opening half hour after Conor Gallagher’s second yellow card was issued. In the end, it was two goals from Raheem Sterling—who opened his account in his new shade of blue—that gave the Blues the win.
Now, Thomas Tuchel takes his team down to England’s south coast in search of back-to-back wins. Three points against a “struggling side” are seemingly a must for Chelsea at this early stage, seeing as it’s already dropped points against Tottenham and Leeds United. The Blues cannot afford to fall behind in the Premier League. Luckily for them, they’re going to a ground where they’ve had a ton of success over the last few years. This should be a relatively straightforward result for the visitors, but as supporters know, nothing is simple with this side.
Here is how The Pride of London team sees the contest playing out:
Bo Martin: 1-2 Chelsea
I have serious inclinations to make this 1-1, but the optimist in me says to stand strong. The Blues have been inconsistent, and frankly underwhelming, at times. This match-up will test them. I expect some players to rest after Saturday’s 10-man performance, including Kai Havertz and Thiago Silva. Southampton typically plays a strong brand of football, but I think players like Armando Broja and Mateo Kovacic will give the visitors an edge with some unpredictability. Hoping for a cheerful Tuesday to wash down a tough start to this season.
Anthony Gatt: 0-2 Chelsea
Raheem the Dream strikes again, the Blues win at St Mary’s. 2-0.
Olaoluwa Nwobodo: 0-2 Chelsea
The Blues did not play well against Leicester City, though they did well to get the win. Chelsea has to improve its performances or it’ll get—and deserve—what’s coming to it. From poor decision making across the board to unnecessary red cards, the Blues need to sort themselves out. Otherwise, they’ll soon get embarrassed by an opponent they don’t expect.
Caden Charpentier: 0-3 Chelsea
This is a statement game for the Blues on the road against a team that is not in the same league as them. Kalidou Koulibaly is back and Tuchel is on the sideline. This has a Chelsea win written all over it, especially after how the team came together in the second half against the Foxes.
Gabe Henderson: 1-3 Chelsea
If I keep predicting a 3-1 win, it’ll come true one day … right? The Blues usually have a field day with Saints in the Premier League. Hopefully this match will be no different after a stressful match at the weekend against Leicester.
Barrett Rouen: 0-4 Chelsea
I think we’re feeling very positive, and at some point, the gates will have to open. Havertz to score and Sterling to keep up his form.
Hugo Amaya: 1-3 Chelsea
The Blues still lack the ability to keep a clean sheet, but they will manage to score plenty this time around. Overall, Chelsea will control the game and outscore the opposition comfortably. Havertz, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Reece James on the scoresheet at St. Mary’s.
Mike Malley: 1-2 Chelsea
I’ll be very curious to see which players are named in the starting XI against Southampton. I hope to see either Christian Pulisic or Broja, instead of Mason Mount or Havertz, just to give those boys a breather. Tuchel seems intent on playing his favorites in each match though. The positivity from the weekend win over the Foxes could propel Chelsea to a close victory, but I fear this Saints side might have something to say about the share of points.
What is your score prediction for the match? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!