Southampton vs Chelsea confirmed XIs – Chelsea’s forgotten man starts

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has shuffled his pack for the trip to Southampton, making six changes to the side that beat Liverpool at the weekend. Eden Hazard is the only survivor from the midfield that defeated Liverpool, whilst Fernando Torres is preferred to Samuel Eto’o up front. Southampton make two changes from the side that lost at Everton, with Rickie Lambert and James Ward-Prowse dropping to the bench.

The Saints have not won at home since early November, losing two of their last three home games and drawing the other.

Mauricio Pochettino makes two changes to the side that lost 2-1 to Everton at the weekend. Gaston Ramirez’s goal at Goodison Park sees him rewarded with a place in the starting line up, coming in for Lambert with Jay Rodriguez moved up front.

Kelvin Davis keeps his place in goal at the expense of Paulo Gazzaniga, whilst Morgan Schneiderlin returns to the side after suspension. Schneiderlin has the joint highest pass accuracy at the club this season, and replaces Ward Prowse in midfield.

Chelsea make six changes from the side that beat Liverpool at the weekend, with recalls for Ashley Cole, John Obi Mikel, Ramires, Andre Schurrle, Juan Mata and Fernando Torres.

David Luiz drops out of the squad altogether through suspension, having collected his fifth yellow card of the season at the weekend, whilst Frank Lampard picked up an injury in the same game and is replaced by John Obi Mikel.

Branislav Ivanovic also picked up a knock, and is replaced by Ashley Cole with Cesar Azpilicueta reverting to right back, whilst Schurrle, Mata and Torres replace Willian, Oscar and Samuel Eto’o.

Prior to the Liverpool game Ramires had played every minute of Chelsea’s Premeir League campaign so far, and the Brazilian returns to the side following suspension to replace Luiz in midfield.