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December 15, 2017


Chelsea v. Southampton Preview  (Sky Sports)

Alvaro MorataAlvaro Morata is available again when Chelsea play Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Spain international returns after missing Tuesday's win at Huddersfield through fatigue and with a back problem.

Chelsea can move joint-second in the Premier League with victory over struggling Southampton at Stamford Bridge.

The Saints have won just four games under Mauricio Pellegrino and head to the home of the champions on the back of Wednesday's demoralising 4-1 home defeat to Leicester.

Team news

Chelsea defender David Luiz is continuing his rehabilitation from inflammation on his knee and will not feature against the Saints.

Mauricio Pellegrino has a fully fit squad to choose from. Cedric Soares came through unscathed against Leicester on Wednesday after returning from a hamstring injury and is likely to keep his place.

But Pellegrino has suggested he will make changes at Stamford Bridge as Saints look to bounce back from their humiliating 4-1 defeat to the Foxes.

Opta stats

Chelsea have won each of their last three Premier League games against Southampton since losing 3-1 at Stamford Bridge in October 2015 under Jose Mourinho.

Southampton have kept one clean sheet in their last 24 Premier League games against Chelsea, a goalless draw on Boxing Day 2002 with Antti Niemi in goal.

After losing consecutive matches against Man City and Crystal Palace, Chelsea have since won seven of their last nine in the Premier League (D1 L1), including each of the last four at Stamford Bridge.

Antonio Conte has the best win percentage of any permanent Chelsea manager in league history (74.6%).

Southampton's 18-point tally after 17 games is their lowest at this stage of a season in five years and six points less than Claude Puel led them to after 17 games last season (24) - they last won fewer at this stage in 2012-13 (15 points).

Charlie Austin has scored eight goals in his last 12 Premier League starts for Southampton, including four in his last four games.

Willian has been directly involved in six goals in his last four starts in all comps for Chelsea (four goals, two assists).

Merson's prediction

I thought Chelsea were brilliant at Huddersfield. I know Tottenham won easily there but Manchester United got beaten there and Manchester City didn't win until late on. Chelsea embarrassed Huddersfield and I can't see anything but another win here.

Chelsea have been inconsistent at times this season but if they show the form they have in certain games they can beat Barcelona in the Champions League. If they play like they did against Roma they will be out of the tie before you know it. Chelsea just need consistency and they will be a threat to anybody.

PAUL PREDICTS: 3-0 (15/2 with Sky Bet)



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