Southampton's Alderweireld wary of the threat of Diego Costa and Eden Hazard

Diego Costa and Eden Hazard - the unstoppable force behind Chelsea's success

Toby Alderweireld has been speaking of the threat Diego Costa and Eden Hazard pose this afternoon as Chelsea travel to Southampton. Having played alongside Costa in Madrid and Hazard with the Belgian side, he knows he has to be at his best today.

The Belgian was part of the Atletico Madrid side that won La Liga and reached the Champions League Final last season. In addition, he played his part as Belgium reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup during this past summer so he knows more than anyone the threat both of them pose.

He spoke first of Diego Costa and then of Hazard. He said:

"It is very difficult because he is fast, he is strong, he has technique. He can score goals, is good with his head, so I have to be at my best to stop him. They are the best players in the world, especially Diego and Eden Hazard. We have to be at our top to beat them."

It will be interesting to see if both Costa and Hazard start in this game today after Jose Mourinho stated that no player will play all the games over the Christmas and New Year period.

Surely, for Chelsea to maintain their position at the top of the Premier League we need to put out our strongest side today BUT, in saying that, we played just two days ago so you imagine that Jose will be forced into making changes.

I just wonder if Costa and Hazard will be rested for Loic Remy and Andre Schurrle; giving Alderweireld and his teammates a different proposition to think about?

Whatever happens, Chelsea will need to be at their best to beat Southampton this afternoon after Ronald Koeman has told his players to have a real go at us this afternoon!

Come on Chelsea!