As Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea have stumbled through the earliest weeks of the season, with the manager feeling the need for signings, his side’s next test is Southampton. Learn more about who Last Word on Football thinks will form the Chelsea lineup at St Mary’s.
The Chelsea Lineup Prediction for Southampton
How Chelsea Have Lined-up Recently
Edouard Mendy is a fundamental part of the Stamford Bridge outfit in spite of some mistakes, sitting behind three centre-backs consisting of Reece James, Thiago Silva and (when not suspended) Kalidou Koulibaly. Ruben Loftus-Cheek plays at wing-back opposite Marc Cucurella.
The club plays with two holding midfielders, with Conor Gallagher and Jorginho holding the centre of the pitch in recent weeks. The front line consists of Mason Mount, Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling.
Chelsea Recent Form and Tactics
Thomas Tuchel’s tactics have been consistent throughout the season so far, playing in a 3-4-3 with attacking wing-backs. Whilst the personnel in the system has shifted depending on availability for the match, the specific structure has stayed the same.
However, the Blues have struggled for form and consistency this campaign. Getting past Leicester City took a lot of time and effort at the weekend, and two red cards in the last two matches do not imply a high level of confidence in the system or fellow players. Chelsea sit sixth in the table, but their results have been far from comprehensive.
Chelsea Injuries to Consider
As Kalidou Koulibaly returns from his suspension, Conor Gallagher starts his. Two yellow cards in the first half at Stamford Bridge leave the frustrated young midfielder out of the squad. This deepens the club’s issues in midfield, as Ngolo Kante remains out of the squad for up to a month. Mateo Kovacic is also not yet fully fit.
The only other missing player is Marcos Alonso. The Spaniard has been missing training for the past few weeks as he seeks a move away from Cobham, with Barcelona a major option for the defender.
CHELSEA | Tuchel has confirmed that Mateo Kovacic still isn't ready to "play full matches". N'Golo Kante remains out and Conor Gallagher is suspended.
However, Kalidou Koulibaly is available after suspension and he "will be on the pitch" on Tuesday.#FFScout | #FPL | #CFC 🔵 pic.twitter.com/noEClQhnmR
— Fantasy Football Scout (@FFScout) August 29, 2022
Chelsea Lineup Prediction
Edouard Mendy starts in goal behind Kalidou Koulibaly, Reece James and Thiago Silva. Ruben Loftus-Cheek starts at right back, opposite Marc Cucurella. Carney Chukwuemeka secures his first start of the season alongside Jorginho in midfield, behind Chelsea’s standard front line of Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz.
Current Odds: Southampton vs Chelsea
Chelsea come in at favourite at 8/13, just ahead of the draw at 7/2. Southampton are playing against the odds at 5/1 to win.
