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Attendance: 40,651

Premier League | Gameweek 19

Dec 26, 2019 at 3pm UK

Chelsea
0-2
Southampton

FT(HT: 0-1)

Obafemi (31'), Redmond (73')

How Chelsea could line up against Southampton

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 24 December 2019

Ahead of the Boxing Day clash in the Premier League between Chelsea and Southampton, Sports Mole looks at how the Blues could line up at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea play host to Southampton on Boxing Day looking to strengthen their hold of fourth position in the Premier League table.

Despite suffering a run of four defeats from five outings, Chelsea returned to form in style at the weekend as they outclassed Tottenham Hotspur on away territory.

However, the majority of Frank Lampard's problems have come at Stamford Bridge, leaving the Englishman with decisions to make regarding his starting XI.

Here, Sports Mole predicts how the West Londoners could line up for the visit of the Saints.

Out: Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Achilles), Mateo Kovacic (suspended),
Doubtful: Cesar Azpilicueta (hamstring), Tammy Abraham (calf)

> Click here for Chelsea's latest injury and suspension news ahead of this match

Lampard will be forced into making at least one alteration as Mateo Kovacic serves a one-match suspension for picking up five yellow cards.

Jorginho will replace the Croatia international in midfield, while Reece James is expected to come in for Cesar Azpilicueta, who has a tight hamstring.

Despite their triumph on Sunday, Lampard may switch to four at the back, with Emerson Palmieri being preferred to Marcos Alonso at left-back.

Further forward, Christian Pulisic is in line to get the nod over Callum Hudson-Odoi, although much could depend on how Lampard manages Willian's game time over the Christmas period.

Tammy Abraham has been carrying a minor calf issue, which may result in Michy Batshuayi being handed a rare start in the academy graduate's place.