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Chelsea will look to bounce back from recent struggles when they host Southampton in a crucial Premier League clash on the 25th of February 2025. Both teams come into the game with defensive concerns, but Chelsea’s home form and squad depth could give them the upper hand.

Match Overview

Chelsea’s defensive issues worsened after Trevoh Chalobah was forced off inside eight minutes in their last match due to a back problem. Although manager Enzo Maresca played down concerns, Chalobah will now join a growing list of absentees, including Omari Kellyman, Noni Madueke, Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Nicolas Jackson, Romeo Lavia, and Marc Guiu. To add to Chelsea’s woes, Mykhaylo Mudryk is suspended for this fixture.

Despite these setbacks, Chelsea remains a formidable side at Stamford Bridge. Maresca is expected to keep faith in Jorgensen in goal despite his recent error against Aston Villa, while Tosin Adarabioyo is likely to start in defense to cover for Chalobah. There’s also a possibility of Reece James being rested, considering his history of injuries.

Southampton, on the other hand, has had their own injury struggles. Jan Bednarek was taken off early against Brighton due to muscular fatigue, and while the issue isn’t severe, he will miss this game. Taylor Harwood-Bellis is also a doubt, while Jack Stephens is expected to return cautiously. Additionally, Ross Stewart, Ryan Fraser, and Adam Lallana remain sidelined, and on-loan Chelsea midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu is ineligible to face his parent club.

How to Watch Chelsea vs Southampton

Fans can catch the action live through various broadcasting platforms:

UK: The match will be shown live on Supersport

US: Fans can stream the game via SuperSport

Other Regions: Check local listings for availability.

Team News: Chelsea vs Southampton

Chelsea will be without several key players heading into this fixture, with Trevoh Chalobah the latest to join the injury list after being forced off early against Aston Villa. He will now sit out alongside long-term absentees Omari Kellyman, Noni Madueke, Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Nicolas Jackson, Romeo Lavia, and Marc Guiu. Adding to Chelsea’s selection concerns, Mykhaylo Mudryk is suspended for this clash, limiting Maresca’s attacking options.

Despite these setbacks, there is some stability in defense, with Tosin Adarabioyo expected to replace Chalobah. Reece James, who played the full 90 minutes last weekend, could be given a rest to avoid aggravating previous injuries. Meanwhile, Maresca has backed goalkeeper Jorgensen to start despite his mistake in the last match, opting for continuity over change in the crucial goalkeeping position.

Southampton also faces defensive issues, with Jan Bednarek ruled out after suffering muscular fatigue in their recent loss to Brighton. Taylor Harwood-Bellis remains a doubt with an ankle injury, while Jack Stephens, who just returned from a layoff, could be risked if needed. Additionally, Ross Stewart, Ryan Fraser, and Adam Lallana are unavailable due to injuries. On-loan Chelsea midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu is ineligible to play against his parent club, further limiting Southampton’s squad depth.

Expected Lineups: Chelsea vs Southampton

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Jorgensen; Gusto, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella; Dewsbury-Hall, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernandez, Sancho; Neto.

Southampton (3-4-1-2): Ramsdale; Harwood-Bellis, Bella-Kotchap, Bree; Sugawara, Gronbaek, Downes, Walker-Peters; Fernandes; Onuachu, Sulemana.

Prediction: Chelsea vs Southampton

Even when fully fit, Southampton has struggled defensively, and their current injury crisis only adds to their woes. Chelsea, despite missing key attacking players, should have enough firepower at home to secure a comfortable win.

Score Prediction: Chelsea 4-0 Southampton

With Southampton’s defensive struggles and Chelsea’s attacking options, the Blues are expected to dominate. If Chelsea can exploit Southampton’s weaknesses early, this could be a one-sided affair at Stamford Bridge.