Reigning Champions Chelsea will be looking to bounce back from the Champions League defeat to FC Porto when they welcome Southampton to Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile, The Saints will be looking to build upon 3-1 victory over Swansea.
In the previous three matches at Bridge, Southampton has managed to draw twice and lost only once.
Below are the key battles that will decide the fate of this game.
1. Chelsea striker vs. Virgil van Dijk
Van Dijk has made a good start to his Southampton career. He will be looking to build on from that start. Whichever Chelsea striker gets the nod on Saturday will have a tough task to get past the Dutch defender.
2. John Terry vs. Graziano Pellè
Chelsea skipper is expected to return to the starting eleven after a sorry show at FC Porto. The Blues’ defense looked fragile since Mourinho dropped Terry in favor of Zouma. The England international will be handed a start to stop Italian international Pellè, who has scored seven goals so far this season.
3. Cesc Fabregas v Victor Wanyama
Cesc Fabregas is going through a tough time. There is a lot of criticism over his performance this season. Against the Saints, he will face Victor Wanyama, who is a prominent figure in SOT’ON line up.
4. Pedro v Ryan Bertrand
The former Chelsea defender has flourished since joining the Saints last season. He is one of the best Left Back in the Premier League. On Saturday, he will have a tough task to mark former Barcelona man Pedro.
5. Cesar Azpilicueta v Sadio Mané
Azpilicueta without a doubt is the best defender of Chelsea this season. They will need him to maintain that form when he comes up against unpredictable Mané. The Blue is expected to be busy on Saturday evening.
José should change their tactic unless they lose the point