Southampton vs Chelsea Betting Tips & Predictions

Southampton endured a horrific spell of form around the festive season, losing eight in a run of ten matches and only winning once to send them sliding down the Premier League table. Fortunately for them they have managed to turn it around in style, and they come into this game on a six match unbeaten streak which has propelled them up to 6th in the table. They are only a point behind Manchester United now.

Chelsea’s start to the season was an unprecedented failure, but like their hosts they have also managed to turn it around. Guus Hiddink arrived at Stamford Bridge for his 2nd interim spell at the club and instantly embarked on an 11 match unbeaten steak in all competitions. This streak was ended last week as Paris Saint Germain beat them 2-1 in the first leg of their Champions League clash, but they bounced back in style with a 5-1 thrashing of Manchester City in the FA Cup. Admittedly, the Man City side was inexperienced, but Chelsea played fantastically well and will be high on confidence from that mauling.

Reasons for Betting Tips

Southampton are undoubtedly in a spell of very good form at the moment, but even during this good run they have never really looked like hammering an opponent. They have only scored three goals in their last four matches and tend to take their foot off the gas at times and look a little complacent. Admiteddly, the return of Fraser Forster has been almost like a new signing for the Saints, and he is yet to concede since his return back in January.

However, Chelsea will be on a massive high after thrashing Manchester City, and with the big guns such as Eden Hazard, Diego Costa, and Willian all boosting their confidence with goals I think it’s going to be a much more difficult day at the office for Forster. Odds of 4/5 for Chelsea to get the better of their hosts in either half look really good value to me, but overall I think both teams will settle for a point in a 1-1 draw.

Recent Form

All competitions; most recent first.

Southampton: WWDWWWL

Chelsea: WLWDDWW

Head to Head

Southampton took advantage of Chelsea poor form last time round by beating them 3-1 at Stamford Bridge. This was their first win over Chelsea since 2013, with the Premier League champions winning two and drawing two of their four games since.

Statistics

Chelsea have won at least one half in eight of their last 15 matches in all competitions.

Team News

Southampton – Long term injury problems Jay Rodriguez and Florin Gardos are the only players injured for the hosts, although Victor Wanyama is serving a suspension.

Chelsea – Captain John Terry is a doubt for the trip to Southampton, with the out of favour Radamel Falcao and Kurt Zouma remaining injured alongside him.

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