
Alvaro
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)