There can be no more slip-ups for Chelsea in the Premier League. Not if they are to keep their slim hopes of finishing in the Premier League top four alive. So Southampton – bottom of the table and without a head coach – must be brushed aside this afternoon at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea's top-flight form is poor. They've won just two of their previous 10 league matches and the victories, against Bournemouth and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge, were hardly convincing. So the challenge for Graham Potter and his expensively assembled squad is clear.
Potter won't be able to call upon Edouard Mendy. Nor N'Golo Kante and Christian Pulisic. Armando Broja isn't expected to be available for selection until next season. Yet Chelsea's injury crisis has eased over the past fortnight and Potter has a strong group of players from which to select this starting XI
