The predicted Chelsea line-up as the Blues welcome Southampton to Stamford Bridge this evening in the Premier League and are in desperate need of maximum points
Chelsea face a must-win Premier League match this evening as bottom-of-the-table Southampton make the trip to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have lost their last three matches in all competitions, with their latest defeat at the hands of Aston Villa on Saturday evening despite the visitors taking an early lead at Villa Park. However, Enzo Maresca was impressed with his side's performance in the Midlands but conceded they needed to do something more in order to start picking up results.
Southampton are the visitors to SW6 this evening, with the Saints looking more and more likely to go back down to the Championship with each passing game. Ivan Juric's side are on nine points, with just two victories to their name this season in the Premier League.
In theory, this evening's match looks to be the ideal match for Chelsea, who are too in desperate need of points as they look to qualify for next season's Champions League. With mounting injury problems within his squad, Maresca has limited options for what he can field at the Bridge tonight.
With all of this being said, Bobby Vincent has a go at predicting the line-up we will see Chelsea put out later on today...
GK: Filip Jorgensen
Jorgensen made a terrible mistake in the latter stages at Aston Villa - and, ultimately, it cost Chelsea. Maresca all but confirmed during Monday morning's press conference that this has not changed his mind on the goalkeeper situation and Jorgensen remains his No.1 ahead of Robert Sanchez at the moment.(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA)
Perhaps a surprise but when you consider everything, Acheampong starting at right-back does make sense. Reece James completed a rare 90 minutes for the Blues at the weekend and surely won't be risked just four days later.(Image: Visionhaus)
Trevoh Chalobah will be out for up to 10 days with a muscular injury he suffered against Villa. Tosin was the man who came in and replaced Chalobah less than 10 minutes into the game at Villa Park. The 27-year-old defender is almost a certainty to start with Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile still recovering from their respective injuries.(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Colwill is in a bad run of form at the moment and needs a statement performance sooner rather than later. The England international needs to somehow rediscover the form he produced at the start of the season - where he was one of Chelsea's most consistent performers.(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Perhaps an option for left-back. Gusto was disappointing against Aston Villa from right-back but due to injuries in the squad, the Frenchman may well be asked to go again versus the Saints.(Image: Alex Pantling)
For all of Chelsea's troubles recently, and players' form dipping, Caicedo has been brilliant still. The Ecuadorian is starting to create more opportunities for his teammates as well, adding another dimension to his game - that was already at an extremely high level.(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
What Maresca did in terms of the shape and personnel at Villa Park did work, despite what the result suggests. Chelsea looked much more of a threat going forward with James in midfield on Saturday. Cucurella could be the man he turns to in order to facilitate others.(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA)
Some have suggested Palmer needs a rest. Maresca, though, said yesterday that he does not believe the 22-year-old needs to drop out of the side. Tonight will hopefully be the moment where Palmer's form turns again.(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Having Cucurella in midfield alongside Caicedo would allow Fernandez to play in a more advanced role. The Argentine was exceptional for the Blues in their defeat to Aston Villa and got into some really dangerous areas, with more of a licence to roam around the pitch.(Image: Chris Lee - Chelsea FC)
It was strange we didn't see George at all at Villa Park. Jadon Sancho has been disappointing recently, as has Christopher Nkunku. If Chelsea can get their academy star firing, then it will add another dimension to Maresca's squad.(Image: Visionhaus)
Neto was superb in the defeat at Villa Park. Having him in the No.9 role, where he could stretch the opposition defence with his runs in behind. He often drifted out to the right wing as well to try and keep defenders guessing his role in the team.(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)