The Premier League season gets into full flow this week as Chelsea are presented with their first-midweek match. Thomas Tuchel's side travels to St Mary's to take on Southampton with the aim of stringing together consecutive wins for the first time this term.
The Blues' last visit to the south coast side saw a 6-0 win with Mason Mount and Timo Werner each scoring a brace, with Marcos Alonso and Kai Havertz also getting on the scoresheet. Werner has made his departure already this summer, while Alonso remains out of Chelsea squads as he awaits a move of his own, but Tuchel will be able to welcome back one of his new stars for the trip.
Kalidou Koulibaly returns from suspension after missing Chelsea's win over Leicester City, with Tuchel confirming the Senegal international will play. The German coach sees his new defender as a leader of the team already.
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The Blues boss said ahead of the game: He's a fantastic player and has a fantastic personality. I am so happy with what I see, not only that we convinced him to come to the club but how he behaves and trains. I see a lot of quality and everything that is needed to be a leading figure at Chelsea. He will be on the pitch at Southampton, he is a massive player for us, and there's no doubt about it."
Tuchel will have some difficult decisions to make and perhaps some forced upon him. Conor Gallagher's red card sees him suspended for the clash, while N'Golo Kante is still out and Mateo Kovacic is still building fitness following his own time out with injury.
football.london's Chelsea writers select the sides they believe Tuchel should choose on Tuesday night.
Scott Trotter
While Thomas Tuchel opted for four at the back against Leicester to start proceedings, Conor Gallagher's suspension and the German coach's admission Kovacic is still building fitness may dictate a return to Chelsea's favoured three central defenders. Nevertheless, Trevoh Chalobah should keep his place alongside Thiago Silva, with Kalidou Koulibaly coming back into the team. Ruben Loftus-Cheek's performance against the Foxes will see him partner Jorginho, while there may be more questions upfront.
Raheem Sterling has cemented his place following his two goals, while Kai Havertz and Mason Mount have yet to contribute directly. The latter was sacrificed at halftime against Leicester as Chelsea changed shape. The more regular schedule will see more rotation, but Tuchel may be tempted to give his front three another opportunity to build some confidence with Armando Broja left chomping at the bit to start.
Scott's team: Mendy; Chalobah, Silva, Koulibaly; James, Loftus-Cheek, Jorginho, Cucurella; Sterling, Havertz, Mount.
Daniel Childs
There is hope that the character gained from Saturday's win over Leicester can carry through into Tuesday's game. But there is still uncertainty over Thomas Tuchel's selection. Ruben Loftus-Cheek feels like a cert to take Conor Gallagher's place alongside Jorginho, whilst the return of Kalidou Koulibaly adds more strength after the impressive rearguard action in the Leicester second half. Raheem Sterling getting off the mark is a big plus, with the second a perfect blueprint for future games. Kai Havertz worked hard in the second half but still flattered to deceive, again strengthening calls to see attacking rotation. Southampton is a threat with good technical players and can feel hard done by with their defeat to Man United.
Daniel's team: Mendy; Chalobah, Silva, Koulibaly; James, Loftus-Cheek, Jorginho, Cucurella; Sterling, Broja, Mount
Scott Clayton
Before I read Thomas Tuchel's words ahead of this match tomorrow, I had my head on Mateo Kovacic starting. Starting him might be a risk but starting Loftus-Cheek yet again always fills me with fear that we are overplaying him due to his injury past. I'd go strong with Kovacic if it was me and, if needs be, bring off at halftime with five subs available.
I think Chilwell should start this one with a short turnaround from the Saturday match. I agree with Tuchel that Koulibaly has to come back into the side, and I hope Trevoh Chalobah keeps his place on the right of the defence.
I did think of resting Mount after a poor first half against Leicester and playing Pulisic for fresh legs and give Mount a well-deserved break, but he has a very good record against Southampton. With him being a Portsmouth-born, this match always feels like it means that little more to him. I'm expecting to see that cupped-ear celebration at some point tomorrow night.
The last change I'd make is to give Havertz a rest. The matches are coming thick and fast now, and we need to give Havertz a rest at some point. It feels like a perfect time to give Broja a start against the side he was on loan against last season. He will know Ralph Hasenhüttl's tactics, the defender's weaknesses and be comfortable playing in the stadium.
Scott's team: Mendy; Chalobah, Silva, Koulibaly; James, Kovacic, Jorginho, Chilwell; Sterling, Mount, Broja
Let us know in the comments section how you'd line up for the match tomorrow night and who you agree with.
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