Chelsea vs. Southampton - Betting preview and odds

Chelsea vs. Southampton - Betting preview and odds

October 3, 2015 17:30pm - Stamford Bridge

Premier League

In Saturday’s late Premier League kick-off, Chelsea and Southampton will go head-to-head in a mid-table tussle at Stamford Bridge.

No sign of recovery for Chelsea

What exactly is going on at Chelsea? That is the question that has been on the lips of many pundits over the past few weeks and it is a question that will not go away.

It has been another week to forget for Jose Mourinho´s men and Chelsea fans must be wondering where it all went wrong. A poor start in the league was initially excused and it was expected that normal service would soon be resumed. But as we enter October, the slump at the Bridge has shown zero signs of abating.

Following a draw away to lowly Newcastle last weekend - a result that preserved Mourinho´s winless record at St James’ Park - the Blues then suffered a midweek defeat away to Porto in the Champions League. They now welcome a Southampton team that sit just one point above them in the league. Another loss could subject the Portuguese boss to the kind of pressure that has evaded him for most of his career.

Saints lack of identity

Ronald Koeman´s team started this season like they finished the last - looking jaded and lacking in identity. However, their performances have been steadily improving and the Saints have now lost just one game in their last five Premier League fixtures. Another finish in the top half of the table would be a good achievement for a team that have sold many of their best players over the last two seasons.

The attacking sharpness that defined the Saints during the first half of last season has also shown signs of returning. Could it be that the Dutchman is working his magic once again? They were unlucky to lose at home to league leaders Manchester United a fortnight ago and carried that good form into the next match when they comfortably beat Swansea by three goals to one.

With Chelsea struggling, this weekend’s game could represent a great opportunity to achieve another confidence boosting result for the South Coast team.

Team news

Chelsea are still missing goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois who will be out until at least December with a knee injury. Otherwise Jose Mourinho has a fully-fit squad to chose from.

For Southampton, Florin Gardos and Fraser Forster are both out with long-term injuries, while Jordi Clasie is facing a race against time to be fit for the trip to London.

Recent form (Premier League)

Chelsea: WWLWL

Southampton: LWWDW

Betting odds and tips

Home advantage has ensured that Chelsea are still favourites to win this game and they can be backed at a decent price of 4/5 with Betfred. Under normal circumstances, backing the Londoners at that price would be a no-brainer but these are not normal circumstances.

The Saints have not won away from home in the league since February, so betting on that result should probably be avoided. However, they have drawn all three of their games on the road so far this term and you can back them at a generous 14/5 with Skybet to continue that trend.

Go To bet365

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01/10/2015     © Frixo 2024