Last updated on February 24, 2025
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An opportunity for Chelsea to return to winning ways.
Image credit: LDNFootbalIChelsea will look to bounce back from their recent struggles when they host a Southampton side destined for relegation at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.
Enzo Maresca’s men have suffered three straight defeats, the latest being a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa, while Southampton endured a crushing 4-0 defeat against Brighton.
Chelsea’s Woes Continue
Chelsea’s season has been far from smooth, and their goalkeeping issues continue to grab headlines.
With Robert Sanchez dropped, Filip Jorgensen was given the chance to impress, but his costly mistake against Aston Villa sealed another frustrating defeat.
The Blues have now lost three consecutive games across all competitions, leaving them trailing behind in the Premier League top-four race.
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Their away form has been particularly concerning, with four consecutive defeats and no wins in their last seven road games.
However, Stamford Bridge remains a stronghold for Chelsea, with three wins in their last four home matches, scoring at least twice in each of those victories.
Southampton’s Relegation Battle
While Chelsea fans are frustrated, Southampton supporters are enduring an even more painful season.
The Saints are on the brink of setting a new record for the lowest-ever Premier League points total, with just nine points from 26 games.
Their latest defeat, a 4-0 hammering by Brighton, was their eighth consecutive home loss, putting them in an unwanted group of teams with such a dismal record.
Despite their struggles, Southampton have found the net in their last four away games and will take confidence from their shock 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge in February 2023.
However, their last meeting with Chelsea ended in a humiliating 5-1 defeat, highlighting the gap in quality between the two sides.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Chelsea Team News
Trevoh Chalobah was forced off early against Aston Villa with a back issue, adding to Chelsea’s growing injury list.
Press conference | Chelsea vs Southampton https://t.co/07niZOMMMB
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 24, 2025
Omari Kellyman, Noni Madueke, Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Nicolas Jackson, Romeo Lavia, and Marc Guiu are all sidelined, while Mykhaylo Mudryk is suspended.
With a tight turnaround, Maresca may rotate his squad, possibly resting Reece James after completing 90 minutes at Villa Park.
Jorgensen’s starting spot is uncertain following his error, but Maresca has not confirmed any changes.
Predicted Chelsea lineup:
Jorgensen; Gusto, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella; Dewsbury-Hall, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernandez, Sancho; Neto
With the injuries of many players, this is what Maresca should use for Chelsea vs Southampton to maximize the limited players available!
— Common Person 🩵 (@Jooswurld) February 24, 2025
But I know he will complicate things again with his line up and inverting crap pic.twitter.com/E4BJN8pdqi
Southampton Team News
The Saints have defensive concerns of their own, with Jan Bednarek sent for scans after picking up an injury against Brighton.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis remains a doubt, while Jack Stephens was not risked last time out. Lesley Ugochukwu, on loan from Chelsea, is ineligible to face his parent club.
Predicted Southampton lineup:
Ramsdale; Aribo, Bella-Kotchap, Bree; Sugawara, Gronbaek, Smallbone, Walker-Peters; Fernandes; Onuachu, Sulemana
Prediction
Chelsea’s struggles on the road have been well documented, but their home form tells a different story.
Facing a Southampton side with a severely depleted defense and one of the worst records in Premier League history, the Blues are expected to secure a comfortable victory.
