Chelsea returned to winning ways in convincing fashion as they beat Southampton 4-0 at Stamford Bridge. Around 200 home supporters gathered outside the ground with banners and smoke flares ahead of kick-off to voice opposition to the club's ownership but tensions were eased, temporarily perhaps, as Enzo Maresca's team scored three in the first half to win for only the third time in 11 in the league.
Christopher Nkunku netted his 14th of the season in all competitions, Pedro Neto scored a rare but needed goal in his personal quest for confidence as he lashed in at the near post and Levi Colwill headed a third in to effectively settle the result before half-time. Marc Cucurella's finish from Tyrique George's cutback completed the rout.
If there was a negative it was that Cole Palmer failed to end what is now a seven-game run without a goal and in doing so missed a glut of presentable chances.
Chelsea vs Southampton latest news
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Standard Sport prediction
This has to be a win for Chelsea.
They have been unconvincing in attack in recent weeks and vulnerable at the back, which is not a particularly ideal combination.
But Southampton have largely been terrible this season and are the ideal opponents for the Blues to get back to winning ways.
Chelsea to win, 3-1.
Southampton team news
Jan Bednarek is not available for Southampton, after he was forced off early in the defeat to Brighton last time out.
"Bednarek will be out of this game," Saints boss Ivan Juric said. “It’s nothing serious. Just fatigue."
Taylor Harwood-Bellis is making progress in his recovery from injury and could be back on the bench for Southampton tonight.
Lesley Ugochukwu is ineligible against his parent club.
Chelsea team news
Pedro Neto is expected to continue in his new role at centre-forward.
The Blues are juggling a striker shortage with first-choice No9 Nicolas Jackson ruled out with a hamstring injury and backup striker Marc Guiu also injured in the game against West Ham earlier this month.
Maresca had initially used Christopher Nkunku at centre-forward in the absence of that pair and even experimented with Cole Palmer as a false nine in the defeat to Brighton a fortnight ago.
However, neither formula worked and Maresca instead turned to Neto to lead the line in Saturday’s meeting with Aston Villa.
Chelsea will be without centre-back Trevor Chalobah, who was forced off early in the loss at Villa and is set to miss the next two games.
Tosin Adarabioyo replaced Chalobah at Villa Park and is likely to come into the XI, though academy graduate Josh Acheampong is another option.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Jorgensen; Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Sancho, Palmer, Nkunku; Neto
How to watch Chelsea vs Southampton
TV channel: The game will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate. Coverage starts at 6.30pm GMT ahead of an 8.15pm kick-off.
Live stream: Subscribers will be able to watch on a live stream via the Discovery+ app.
LIVE coverage: Follow all the action right here, featuring expert analysis from Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge!
Good evening!
Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Chelsea vs Southampton!
Big night for the Blues, who must get back to winning ways against the worst team in the Premier League. Anything other than three points and the pressure will be piled on Enzo Maresca.
We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news right here ahead of kick-off, which comes at 8:15pm GMT from Stamford Bridge!