Chelsea vs Southampton: Premier League match preview

A chance for The Blues to tighten their grip on the league title

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho (Getty Images)

Chelsea will look to bounce back from their Champions League exit midweek with another win to strengthen their grip on the Premier League title. Blues boss Jose Mourinho was charged by the FA after comments made following the reverse fixture at St. Mary’s earlier in the season, citing a ‘campaign’ after Cesc Fabregas was denied a penalty.

Southampton have slipped to seventh in the league - their lowest position since August - and have managed just two goals in their last six games. Saints boss Ronald Koeman has lamented his forwards’ profligacy in front of goal in recent weeks, with Italian striker Graziano Pelle failing to add to his tally of eight league goals since December.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 5.30pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS:

Southampton (Mane) 1-1 Chelsea (Hazard) Premier League, December 2014

Southampton 0-3 Chelsea (Torres, Willian, Oscar) Premier League, January 2014

Chelsea (Cahill, Terry, Ba) 3-1 Southampton (Rodriguez) Premier League, December 2013

ODDS:

Chelsea 8/13

Draw 10/3

Southampton 6/1

STATS:

Cesc Fabregas has 15 Premier League assists - seven more than the nearest challengers.

Southampton have beaten Chelsea once in their last 12 meetings.

Top scorer Graziano Pelle hasn't scored since December’s 3-0 victory over Everton.

Classic Moment:

Southampton 2-1 Chelsea - 2013

Rickie Lambert netted a superb 25 yard free-kick against the Blues to seal a memorable three points for the Saints and consign Rafael Benitez’ men to their third consecutive defeat on the road. Blues skipper John Terry had cancelled out Jay Rodriguez opener moments before the former Bristol Rovers man stepped up to send the St. Mary’s faithful into raptures.

TV: Sky Sports 1 - 13.30pm