Chelsea vs Southampton: Betting Odds, Line-ups, Predictions, Preview

Explore our detailed preview for Chelsea vs Southampton in the Premier League. Key stats, predictions, and lineups for the 20:15 GMT match.

• Fixture: Chelsea vs Southampton
• Date: 25th February 2025 
• Kick-off: 20:15 
• Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
  

Chelsea have been struggling to find consistency, with their recent form showing a mixed bag of results. They have managed two wins in their last five league matches but have suffered three defeats, including a heavy loss to Brighton. Their defensive frailties have been exposed, and they will be keen to tighten up at the back. 

• Aston Villa 2-1 Chelsea 
• Brighton 3-0 Chelsea 
• Chelsea 2-1 West Ham 
• Man City 3-1 Chelsea 
  
• Chelsea 3-1 Wolves
  

Southampton are in a dire run of form, having lost eight of their last nine league matches. Their defence has been porous, conceding 26 goals in those games, and they will need to shore up their backline to stand a chance against Chelsea. 

• Southampton 0-4 Brighton 
• Southampton 1-3 Bournemouth 
• Ipswich 1-2 Southampton 
• Southampton 1-3 Newcastle
• Nott'm Forest 3-2 Southampton 
  

Chelsea have had the upper hand in recent encounters against Southampton, winning three of the last five meetings. The most recent clash saw Chelsea thrash Southampton 5-1 at St. Mary's. However, Southampton did manage a surprise 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge in February 2023.

• Southampton 1-5 Chelsea 
• Chelsea 0-1 Southampton 
• Southampton 2-1 Chelsea 
• Southampton 0-6 Chelsea 
• Chelsea 3-1 Southampton 
  

Chelsea are dealing with a significant injury list, including key players like Benoit Badiashile Wesley Fofana, Romeu Lavia, Nicolas Jackson, and Noni Madueke, all sidelined with various injury issues, while Mykhailo Mudryk is suspended. These absences could impact their attacking options and defensive solidity. 

Southampton are also not without their injury woes, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Ross Stewart and Adam Lallana among those unavailable. Their squad depth will be tested, particularly in midfield. Chelsea loanee Lesley Ugochukwu is ineligible to play against his parent club.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Jorgensen; Gusto, Colwill, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, James; Palmer, Nkunku, Fernández; Neto

Chelsea are likely to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on controlling the midfield with James and Caicedo. Enzo will be pivotal in linking play, while Palmer and Nkunku will look to exploit Southampton's defensive vulnerabilities. 

Southampton (3-4-3): Ramsdale; Bree, Bednarek, Bella-Kotchap; Walker-Peters, Aribo, Fernandes, Wellington; Sulemana, Archer, Dibling

Southampton may opt for a 3-4-3 setup, relying on set-pieces and Archer's ability to lead the line. They will need to be disciplined defensively to withstand Chelsea's attacking threats.  

• Enzo Fernández vs. Joe Aribo: A midfield battle that could dictate the tempo of the game. 
• Cole Palmer vs. Jan Bednarek: Palmer's creativity against Bednarek's defensive resilience will be crucial.
• Christopher Nkunku vs. Kyle Walker-Peters: Nkunku's pace and trickery could pose problems for Walker-Peters.  
  

Chelsea are expected to dominate possession and apply pressure on Southampton's defence. The game could see Chelsea exploiting the flanks and looking to create chances through quick transitions. Southampton might rely on counter-attacks and set-pieces to threaten Chelsea’s backline.

Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Southampton

Chelsea's last 5-1 victory over Southampton marked the first time they scored five goals in an away league match since 2019. 

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication