SOUTHAMPTON
Boruc
Clyne, Yoshida, Fonte, Shaw
Schneiderlin, Cork
Rodriguez, Ramirez, Lallana
Lambert
CHELSEA
Cech
Azpilicueta, Luiz, Terry, Bertrand
Ramires, Lampard
Oscar, Mata, Moses
Torres
Mauricio Pochettino looks set to name a largely unchanged side from the one that claimed an unexpected scalp against Liverpool prior to the international break.
The only change for the Saints is likely to be in central defence, with Jose Fonte primed to replace Jos Hooiveld at the back after the latter picked up a knock in the 3-1 win over the Reds.
Other than that solitary change, Southampton will persist with the line-up that featured last time out, with Jason Puncheon likely to be omitted once more as Jay Rodriguez looks set to retain his starting berth.
With Chelsea having to play four times in the space of a week, Rafael Benitez may choose to name a rotated side as he looks ahead to the FA Cup replay against Manchester United on Monday.
That could mean a rare start for John Terry at the back, particularly with Gary Cahill struggling for fitness after being ruled out of international duty with a knee injury in midweek.
Eden Hazard, Ashley Cole and Demba Ba are also likely to be rotated from the side that beat West Ham 2-0 two weeks ago as Oscar, Ryan Bertrand and Fernando Torres could be afforded starts.
DID YOU KNOW?
Southampton have not beaten Chelsea in over 10 years; they last won on New Years' Day 2002, beating the Blues 4-2 thanks to a double from James Beattie and goals from Marian Pahars and Chris Marsden.
The Saints have dropped more points from leading positions than any other Premier League team this season - 27 in total.
Despite his continued omission from the England national team, Rickie Lambert is the highest scoring Englishman in the Premier League this season, having netted 13 times - the next closest (joint with Wayne Rooney) is on the opposing team: Frank Lampard with 12 goals.
Southampton have scored more own goals than anyone else in the Premier League this season, having put five in the wrong net.
Demba Ba, though potentially on the bench here, has been in fine form for Chelsea against Southampton in all competitions, having netted three goals from four shots on target this season.
Juan Mata has also been in fine fettle, albeit more generally, and he recently became the first Premier League player to score 10 goals and provide 10 assists.
Prediction
Although the Saints have a good record against the big teams of late, picking up three points here is a tall order indeed, particularly given Chelsea's recent form. Nevertheless, the international break may have halted some of the away side's momentum and Southampton will be hopeful that they can cause an upset, particularly as they are just four points clear of the bottom three. Still, the Blues' potent attacking force should prove too strong for Southampton's susceptible defence and should be enough to cancel out the threat that Rickie Lambert and co. pose down the other end.
Editor's Prediction
Southampton 1-3 Chelsea
