Everyone loves Boxing Day games, and Chelsea come into this one in an especially good mood after a massive win against Spurs on Sunday.
The Blues lined up in a 343 to defeat Tottenham away, but Southampton at home represents a very different challenge. That, along with the suspensions in the team, makes us think Frank Lampard will revert to a 433. Here’s how we think the Blues line up today:
Kepa starts in goal, hoping for another outing as quiet as the one he had on Sunday. At the back, Cesar Azpilicueta’s injury means a welcome start for Reece James, who will be able to maraud down the right. In the middle, it’s hard to see which of the three superb central defenders misses out, but given Antonio Rudiger is the senior player we imagine he gets the nod, with Kurt Zouma and Fikayo Tomori a total toss up for the other position. At left back, the return to a four favors Emerson over Marcos Alonso.
In midfield, N’Golo Kante is untouchable, while the suspension to Mateo Kovacic means Jorginho starts. Mason Mount, despite excelling in a wide forward role in the 343, will need to play in the midfield 3 again to cover for the absentees.
In the front line, a lack of alternatives means Tammy Abraham will get the nod for sure. Christian Pulisic has had a week off and will hopefully be fresh and dangerous on one side, with Willian on the other off the back of his magnificent performance against Spurs.
