Southampton vs Chelsea Preview – Premier League, December 4, 2024
The English Premier League offers another captivating fixture as Southampton host Chelsea at St. Mary’s Stadium on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. This midweek clash brings together a struggling Saints side seeking stability and a Chelsea team eager to solidify their place in the top four.
As both teams enter this match with different objectives, fans can expect a tactically intriguing battle between two sides with contrasting playing styles.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Competition: English Premier League
Match: Southampton vs Chelsea
Venue: St. Mary’s Stadium, Southampton, England
Kickoff Time: 8:00 PM (GMT)
Team Overview
Southampton
Southampton have endured a challenging season, hovering near the relegation zone. With a young squad and a new managerial approach, the Saints are looking for consistency in their performances. While they’ve shown glimpses of promise, defensive lapses and a lack of goals have been their undoing.
Form: Struggling to find form, with only one win in their last five league matches.
Key Players: James Ward-Prowse, Che Adams, Gavin Bazunu.
Strengths: Set-pieces and counter-attacking football.
Chelsea
Chelsea, under Mauricio Pochettino, have shown significant improvement after a turbulent period last season. With a blend of youth and experience, the Blues have been a force to reckon with, especially in away games. Their attacking fluidity and defensive solidity make them favorites in this matchup.
Form: Strong, with three wins in their last five league fixtures.
Key Players: Enzo Fernรกndez, Raheem Sterling, Reece James.
Strengths: High press, dynamic wing play, and creativity in midfield.
Team News
Southampton
The Saints are dealing with a few fitness issues that could impact their lineup.
Injury Updates:
James Ward-Prowse: Fully fit and expected to lead the team.
Carlos Alcaraz: Recovering from a knock, likely to feature.
Romain Perraud: A doubt due to a minor injury.
Suspensions: None.
Southampton’s manager will rely heavily on their home support to push the players in what promises to be a tough outing.
Chelsea
Chelsea have a relatively fit squad but remain cautious about overloading key players during a busy schedule.
Injury Updates:
Christopher Nkunku: Close to full fitness and could make an appearance.
Wesley Fofana: Out with a long-term injury.
Marc Cucurella: Doubtful due to illness.
Suspensions: None.
Pochettino will likely rotate his squad to keep players fresh for upcoming fixtures.
Possible Lineups
Southampton (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Gavin Bazunu
Defenders: Kyle Walker-Peters, Jan Bednarek, Armel Bella-Kotchap, Romain Perraud
Midfielders: James Ward-Prowse, Romeo Lavia, Stuart Armstrong
Forwards: Kamaldeen Sulemana, Che Adams, Adam Armstrong
Southampton will aim to keep things tight at the back and rely on Ward-Prowse’s set-piece deliveries for scoring opportunities.
Chelsea (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Robert Sรกnchez
Defenders: Reece James, Thiago Silva, Levi Colwill, Ben Chilwell
Midfielders: Moisรฉs Caicedo, Enzo Fernรกndez, Conor Gallagher
Forwards: Raheem Sterling, Nicolas Jackson, Mykhailo Mudryk
Chelsea’s front line will look to exploit Southampton’s defensive frailties, with Sterling and Mudryk providing pace and width.
Playing Ground – St. Mary’s Stadium
St. Mary’s Stadium in Southampton is known for its vibrant atmosphere, especially under the floodlights. While it hasn’t been a fortress for the Saints this season, the fans' support could provide a much-needed boost against Chelsea.
Head-to-Head
Chelsea have historically dominated this fixture, but Southampton have occasionally sprung surprises, particularly at home.
Last 5 Meetings:
April 2024: Chelsea 2-0 Southampton
December 2023: Southampton 1-1 Chelsea
April 2023: Chelsea 3-1 Southampton
August 2022: Southampton 2-1 Chelsea
February 2022: Chelsea 6-0 Southampton
In recent seasons, Chelsea have had the upper hand, though Southampton’s win in 2022 highlights their potential to upset the odds.
Tactical Analysis
Southampton
Southampton’s approach will revolve around staying compact defensively and hitting Chelsea on the break. They’ll aim to exploit any gaps left by Chelsea’s advancing full-backs.
Key Tactical Objectives:
Utilize Ward-Prowse’s set-piece expertise to create scoring opportunities.
Defend in numbers to deny Chelsea’s creative players space.
Target Chelsea’s wide areas with quick transitions.
Chelsea
Chelsea will look to dominate possession and dictate the tempo of the game. Pochettino’s side will focus on breaking down Southampton’s low block with quick passing and movement.
Key Tactical Objectives:
Overload the midfield to disrupt Southampton’s shape.
Use Reece James and Ben Chilwell’s overlapping runs to create width.
Press high to force Southampton into mistakes in their defensive third.
Key Players to Watch
James Ward-Prowse (Southampton): The Saints’ captain is crucial for his leadership, passing range, and set-piece prowess.
Che Adams (Southampton): Adams’ ability to hold up play and finish clinically will be vital for Southampton’s counter-attacking plans.
Enzo Fernรกndez (Chelsea): The Argentine midfielder’s creativity and composure make him a key player in breaking down defenses.
Raheem Sterling (Chelsea): Sterling’s pace and directness can cause significant problems for Southampton’s defense.
Live Stream and Broadcast Information
UK: Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event.
USA: USA Network and Peacock.
India: Star Sports Select and Disney+ Hotstar.
Global: Check local listings or the Premier League’s official website for broadcast details.
Prediction
Given their form and quality, Chelsea head into this game as favorites. Southampton’s defensive vulnerabilities and inconsistency could make it difficult for them to handle Chelsea’s attacking prowess. However, a spirited home performance could give the Saints a fighting chance.
Predicted Score: Southampton 1-3 Chelsea