Chelsea face a must-win Premier League game on Saturday as they welcome managerless Southampton, who sit bottom of the table, to Stamford Bridge. Despite their contrasting positions, the Saints head into the clash having won a game more recently than the hosts, but they have not secured a victory in the league since January 14.
The Blues returned to Champions League action in mid-week against Borussia Dortmund and despite dominating much of the game, Chelsea returned to west London with it all to do in the second leg. Karim Adeyemi's goal put Dortmund ahead at half-time in the tie with the return fixture at Stamford Bridge set for March 7.
In the meantime, focus is back on the Premier League and Graham Potter faces a number of testing team selection decisions. Ben Chilwell, Raheem Sterling, Denis Zakaria and Mateo Kovacic are all hopeful of a spot in the starting XI following their respective injury issues.
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In his weekly Premier League predictions column Paul Merson gave his thoughts on how the game would unfold, which included detailing Chelsea's glaring problem.
"Chelsea haven't got a No.9," he wrote on SportsKeeda. "They were outstanding from box to box against Borussia Dortmund, but they couldn't score a goal. It doesn't matter how much you spend and how many players you buy - you've got to put the ball in the back of the net. That's always been the name of the game.
"Southampton are also yet to find their manager, and that's unbelievable for a Premier League team. Chelsea will find their feet in the Premier League sooner or later, and they should be able to win this game."
Merson's prediction: Chelsea 3-0 Southampton.
Chris Sutton inclined to agree with Merson, both on which team would win and said teams issues in front of goal. "Chelsea boss Graham Potter really has to win this game, because otherwise he is going to come under massive pressure," he wrote in his BBC Sport predictions.
"Potter's side missed more chances against Borussia Dortmund in midweek and we know they are missing a cutting edge - but there can't be any excuses for not beating Southampton, who are bottom of the table, don't have a manager and are in a real mess."
Sutton's predictions: Chelsea 2-0 Southampton
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