Chelsea faces off against Southampton on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 17:15 (local time), at Stamford Bridge, marking the 27th round of the Premier League.
Broadcasted live on ESPN 4 and Disney+, this match holds significant stakes for both teams. Chelsea, sitting seventh with 43 points, aims to inch closer to European competition qualifications, whereas Southampton finds itself anchored at the bottom of the league with just nine points.
Historically, Chelsea has the upper hand in their encounters, having won 49 out of their 114 face-offs, compared to Southampton's 33 victories, and with the remaining 32 matches ending in draws.
Currently, Chelsea seeks redemption following three consecutive losses, most recently falling 2-1 to Aston Villa. These recent results have hindered their push for a spot among the top four, which would guarantee participation in the Champions League next season. The Blues are only one point behind Manchester City, who occupy fourth place, though they trail the league leaders Liverpool by 21 points.
Meanwhile, Southampton has had a dismal campaign, managing only two wins throughout the entire season alongside 21 defeats, which places them eight points behind the nearest team, Ipswich Town.
Going forward, Chelsea's injury list is extensive; key players like Omari Kellyman, Benoit Badiashile, Noni Madueke, and Wesley Fofana will not feature, alongside Mykhaylo Mudryk, who is suspended. Southhampton is also missing talents such as Ryan Fraser and Adam Lallana due to injury.
The probable lineups see Chelsea fielding Jorgensen; Gusto, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella; Dewsbury-Hall, Moisés Caicedo; Palmer, Enzo Fernández, and Sancho; Pedro Neto. On the other side, Southampton is expected to come out with Ramsdale; Aribo, Bella-Kotchap, Bree; Sugawara, Gronbaek, Smallbone, Walker-Peters; Mateus Fernandes; Onuachu and Sulemana.
The match's importance cannot be overstated, with Chelsea needing to secure points to boost their position for potential European football, and Southampton desperate to claw out of the relegation zone.
Looking back at their last meeting, Chelsea triumphed over Southampton with a convincing 5-1 win, which included goals from Axel Disasi, Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, and Jadon Sancho, cementing Chelsea's status as favorites going forward.
On the betting front, Chelsea is widely favored to win this match. Odds reflect their need for victory against the league's weakest team, with predictions stating Chelsea should control the game and potentially score multiple goals.
With factors heavily favoring Chelsea, including home advantage, superior squad depth, and historical performance against Southampton, many believe the Blues will emerge victorious. Fans will be eager to see if Chelsea can turn their form around starting with this match.
For those tuning in, the match promises excitement, showcasing two teams at vastly different points within the Premier League, as Chelsea strives for European glory and Southampton battles to retain their place within the top flight.