Chelsea vs Southampton - Premier League Preview and Odds

Published on: 02/01/2019

Chelsea vs Southampton - Premier League Preview and Odds

January 02, 2019 19:45pm - Stamford Bridge

Premier League

Chelsea will look to strengthen their grip on a top four berth when they host a Southampton side striving to break free from the shackles of relegation.

Maurizio Sarri`s men look to be out of the title race so Champions League qualification will now be their priority. They currently occupy fourth spot in the Premier League table, but have fellow Londoners Arsenal breathing down their necks.

After a blip in form in late November/early December, the Blues have bounced back with four wins in five over the festive period, the only low point a home defeat to Leicester City. That was their first league defeat at Stamford Bridge since April. It was also only the second time they have failed to score at home in 16 matches.

Meanwhile, after a positive start under new boss Ralph Hasenhuttl, Southampton arrive here on the back of consecutive home defeats to West Ham United and Manchester City. In their last away match, they cruised to a 3-1 win against fellow strugglers Huddersfield, their first away win in eight attempts.

The Saints have lost their last seven meetings with the Londoners and only won one of the last 12, a 3-1 triumph at Stamford Bridge back in 2015.

Recent Form (League)

Chelsea: WWLWW

Southampton: LLWWL

Betting odds and tips

The home side dominated their recent defeat to Leicester City, but failed to take their chances. Overall, their home form has been excellent in 2018 and they will look to start 2019 in positive fashion. The Saints showed some improvement in their first couple of games under their new boss, but their last two performances left a lot to be desired.

The Blues kept clean sheets in three of their last four home games and look good value to Win to Nil at Evens.

You can Back Chelsea to Win to Nil at Evens.

By Neil Morris