Chelsea beat Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday and next up they welcome Southampton at home on Boxing Day.
The Blues entered Sunday’s match on the back of two league defeats but this win has once again cemented their place in the top four.
Chelsea aren’t expected to drop points on Thursday simply because Southampton are currently dwindling at the bottom of the table.
But having said that Lampard is expected to make a couple of changes to his first XI in midweek which could very well disrupt the rhythm of the players thereby helping the Saints pick up something from this match.
Chelsea news vs Southampton:
Antonio Rudiger has returned back from injury which has surely been a big boost for the Blues during their last couple of outings.
Against Spurs, Lampard chose to play with three central defenders but on Boxing Day, he will surely revert back to his usual formation meaning Tomori is expected to move back to the bench.
Mason Mount was one of the standout players for Chelsea during the derby and the manager would have loved to give him a much-needed rest in midweek. But we don’t think that will be possible now that Mateo Kovacic is suspended for the Saints game.
The midfielder picked up his fifth yellow card of the season during the weekend meaning he will serve a one-match ban on Boxing Day.
The change in formation against Spurs meant Jorginho had to start the match on the bench but the Italian will surely return to the starting XI in midweek and reprise his role alongside N’Golo Kante.
Christian Pulisic remained an unused substitute against the Lilywhites but owing to the reshuffle, Lampard is expected to bring in the American international.
Willian scored both the goals for Chelsea during the weekend but we expect the Brazilian to be rested against Southampton meaning Callum Hudson-Odoi could very well come into the side.
Michy Batshuayi will be itching to get a start but we don’t think Frank Lampard will take the risk of resting Tammy Abraham since the youngster has been an asset for Chelsea in the final third.
