Premier League: Chelsea v Southampton match preview

A look ahead to the weekend's fixture at Stamford Bridge

Jose Mourinho leaves the St Jakob-Park pitch after Chelsea's 1-0 defeat to Basel (GETTY IMAGES)

Chelsea can move to within a point of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League if the Gunners fail to beat Cardiff on Saturday.

Jose Mourinho’s side comprehensively beat London rivals West Ham 3-0 last weekend but were undone against Basle in the Champions League on Tuesday.

However the Blues still qualified for the knock-out stages despite a limp defeat.

Southampton shocked Chelsea last season with a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge, Mourinho and his men will be hoping that history doesn't repeat itself on Sunday.

Maurico Pochettino’s Southampton have performed above par this season and currently lie in fifth position, level on points with Manchester City in fourth.

Saints have only lost twice this season and could move into second place if results go their way this weekend.

Ricky Lambert’s four goals and three assists this season will mean that the Chelsea defence will have to stick to the England international like glue.

KICK-OFF

Sunday 16:10

LAST THREE MEETINGS

Chelsea 1 (Terry) 2 Southampton (Rodriguez, Lambert), Premier League, Sat 30 March 2013

Chelsea 2 (Ba, Hazard) 2 Southampton (Lambert, Puncheon), Premier League, Wed 16 January 2013

Chelsea 5 (Ba 2, Moses, Ivanovic, Lampard) Southampton 1 (Rodriguez), FA Cup, Sat 5 January 2013

STATS

Southampton have only lost twice this season.

Ricky Lambert, Adam Lallana and Jay Rodriguez have scored ten goals between them this season.

Oscar is Chelsea’s top goal scorer this season with 5, in comparison striker Fernando Torres has one.

ODDS

Chelsea win 11/20

Southampton win 5/1

Draw 29/10

TV

Live on Sky Sports 1, 16:00