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Stadium: Stamford Bridge
Referee: Michael Oliver
Kick-off: 1:15 AM (IST), Thursday, 17th of January
Having more of a chance of catching Manchester United than Real Madrid do of Barcelona, Chelsea will kick off in front of the mixed bunch of home fans that seem to prevail lately at the Bridge, hoping to close the gap on the leaders to 11 points. While anything bar a miracle will not help Chelsea win their first league title in five years, one only needs to look to last season to understand that miracles are never short in supply in football. Southampton also need a miracle equally desperately, but for quite different reasons. In spite of some cavalier performances, the Saints have been languishing in the drop zone for most of the season. Having recently climbed out of it though, they will be hoping to register at least a point against the side that thrashed them 5 – 1 in cup competition recently.
Chelsea: W L W L W
The results from the past five fixtures perfectly define Chelsea’s form going into this game, as they have been blowing hot and cold in recent weeks, just as through most of the season. They have, in particular, struggled in the absence of their two creative gems, Hazard and Mata. Rafael Benitez’s decisions have been under immense scrutiny, and when things haven’t gone to plan, the supporters have been quick to direct their ire at him, and at a misfiring Fernando Torres. Yet, for all the criticism, the psychological aspect of its negativity must be obvious to all fans, seeing as Chelsea have won their last four away games, scoring 12 goals in the process, while they’ve lost their last two home games, failing to score on both occasions. Southampton though, provide the perfect foil to change the scheme of things, and Benitez would do well to put out a team that seizes the opportunity.
Southampton: D D D L W
Southampton have been in reasonably good form lately, losing just 2 of their last 11 league games, although the loss against Chelsea in the FA cup tie would have no doubt affected the morale. However, Nigel Adkins’ side bounced back with a win over Aston Villa, that took them two spots clear of the drop zone, and that is something to draw inspiration from. The Saints’ recent draws have included a well deserved 1 – 1 against Arsenal, as well as a 3 – 3 at Brittania stadium, which they could have actually won. Thus, an off day for Chelsea, and a spirited performance from the visitors could pay rich dividends, especially given Chelsea’s recent struggles in front of home fans.
Chelsea: Oriol Romeu, John Obi Mikel, Victor Moses.
John Terry
Having recently recovered from injury, Terry is a likely contender to start this match in order to further regain match fitness, and prove his worthiness of a spot in the starting eleven. Not only is the club captain excellent at defending, but also an ever present threat from set pieces. Given the visitors’ weakness at defending set pieces, and even at crosses coming in from the wings, John Terry is a decent bet to get on the scoresheet for this game.
Rickie Lambert
If there is one person who can spoil the party for Chelsea with impeccable calmness, it has to be Rickie Lambert, who has been excellent for the Saints this season. Having played a part in 12 out of 28 Southampton goals, scoring 9 himself, one can never count out this Englishman from making a big impact on the game. If indeed he does manage to do so early in the game, it may be a tough ask of Chelsea to mount a comeback in front of disapproving fans.
A home win. Irrespective of all the optimism that one may portray for a spirited Southampton side, there is no denying that there is a gulf in class between the two teams. A full strength Chelsea is most definitely capable of taking apart the visitors, as was demonstrated in that 5 – 1 thrashing, where Ba scored twice. Thus, barring extraordinary events, the smart money would be on a Chelsea win.
