Kick-off: 1500, 17/10/2020
Stadium: Stamford Bridge
TV: BT Sport Box Office
Big-spending Chelsea remain a bit of an enigma but they are fancied to prove a cut above Southampton in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues were very impressive in the second half of a 4-0 win over Crystal Palace at this venue prior to the international break.
If returning to action in a similar mood, 19/20 for a home victory and over 2.5 goals in the game looks a solid Chelsea vs Southampton prediction.
A Look At Chelsea’s Betting Odds
After kicking off their campaign with a 3-1 triumph at Brighton, Chelsea suffered a couple of setbacks when beaten 2-0 by Liverpool and drawing 3-3 at West Brom.
Frank Lampard’s men then had to be patient against Palace, who were resolute and organised in defence during the opening period.
Once new signing Ben Chilwell broke the deadlock on 50 minutes, though, the result was never in doubt.
Kurt Zouma doubled the advantage after the hour mark and Jorginho successfully converted a couple of penalties to wrap up a convincing victory.
“There is a lot of reactionary stuff about us because of expectation,” Lampard told BBC Sport. “I do think people have to remain calm.
“That’s how I have to be, I can’t get caught up in it. It’s my job not to be reactionary and not get too upset or down.
“We are a work in progress but I am up for that work and so are the players.”
Chelsea have scored nine of this season’s 10 league goals after the break, so that must be taken into account ahead of this contest.
Looking at the Chelsea vs Southampton odds, it is 23/20 for the Blues to net more times in the second half than the first.
Last Chelsea line-up: Mendy, Silva, Zouma, Chilwell, Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Kante, Havertz, Abraham, Werner, Hudson-Odoi.
Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy will miss out due to a thigh problem, with Thiago Silva not ready to feature after international commitments.
Hakim Ziyech has finally beaten a knee injury and is fit enough to take a seat on the Blues’ bench.
A Look At Southampton’s Betting Odds
Southampton went into the international break in fine spirits themselves after winning 1-0 at Burnley and then beating West Brom 2-0 on home turf.
After dominating the Baggies, Ralph Hasenhuttl said: “We were very aggressive and this was another step forward to the way we want to play.
“We didn’t give any chances away, the pressing was very convicted and with the ball, a good balance of taking risks sometimes and playing behind.”
Saints enhanced the feelgood factor with the news that Theo Walcott has returned to the club on a season-long loan from Everton.
The 31-year-old beamed: “I was seriously lost for words when Southampton came on the table, and for me it was such an easy decision.
“To get the chance to work with the manager as well, and these young players that are coming through, I feel like I’ve made the right choice.”
Star striker Danny Ings scored for England versus Wales during the break, while Southampton will have fond memories of last Boxing Day’s trip to the Bridge, when prevailing 2-0.
All that suggests they will have their moments in this match, but we’re still siding with the hosts to oblige 3-1 at 10/1 to finish off our Chelsea vs Southampton betting tips.
Last Saints line-up: McCarthy, Walker-Peters, Bertrand, Vestergaard, Bednarek, Romeu, Ward-Prowse, Djenepo, Armstrong, Ings, Adams.
Saints are set to be without Stuart Armstrong and Moussa Djenepo.
Additional stats
Last result:
CHELSEA 4-0 Crystal Palace – Ben Chilwell, Kurt Zouma, Jorginho (2 pens)
SOUTHAMPTON 2-0 West Brom – Moussa Djenepo, Oriol Romeu
Head-to-head: Chelsea 0-2 Southampton, Southampton 1-4 Chelsea, Chelsea 0-0 Southampton, Southampton 0-3 Chelsea
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