Hosting Chelsea head into this encounter knowing that only a victory will do if they are to keep their slim chances of winning the Premier League title alive.

This fixture had originally been penned in for December, but Chelsea's trip to the Club World Cup in Japan forced the encounter to be pushed back by a month.

A win for the Blues would move them to within 11 points of leaders Manchester United and just four behind champions Manchester City.

Interim manager Rafael Benitez has been tipped to rotate his starting lineup for the visit of Southampton, with Fernando Torres expected to return at the expense of Demba Ba.

Captain John Terry may also start following a return from a knee injury that had sidelined him since November.

The travelling Saints, who are currently 15th, have won just two of their 10 matches on the road this season.

Having impressed at the weekend against Aston Villa, striker Jay Rodriguez could keep his place up front alongside Rickie Lambert.

Recent form

Chelsea: WWWWLW

Southampton: WLDDDW

Possible starting lineups:

Chelsea: Cech; Azpilicueta, Terry, Ivanovic, Cole; Luiz, Ramires; Hazard, Mata, Oscar; Torres

Southampton: Boruc; Clyne, Yoshida, Hooiveld, Shaw; Puncheon, Schneiderlin, Cork, Ramirez; Lambert, Rodriguez

Sports Mole says: 2-0

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