Probable Lineups
4-2-3-1
4-2-3-1
Missing Players
Southampton
Chelsea
Player | Reason | Status |
---|---|---|
Adam Lallana | Out | |
Nathaniel Clyne | Doubtful |
Player | Reason | Status |
---|---|---|
Oriol Romeu | Out | |
John Terry | Out | |
Petr Cech | Out | |
John Obi Mikel | Doubtful |
Team News
Southampton
Chelsea
- Nathaniel Clyne could be back in the Southampton starting XI after missing the Premier League draws against both Stoke and Arsenal due to a knee injury, though Jack Cork could play there again if Clyne doesn't make it.
- Adam Lallana remains absent, while Nigel Adkins may use this game as a chance to rest some of his first team, with the likes of Rickie Lambert starting to tire after a busy Christmas period.
- Kelvin Davis could be back between the posts after Artur Boruc had some shaky moments against Arsenal last time out, with Paulo Gazzaniga another option for that position.
- Rafa Benitez is going to have to juggle the two motives of needing to rest some of his players, who he has admitted are starting to tire, and also not letting his team succumb to another embarrassing loss after the defeat to QPR in midweek.
- Demba Ba has completed his move from Newcastle and could play up front, thereby giving the necessary rest to Fernando Torres, as Benitez has confirmed he needs.
- He will remain without Petr Cech for this game, with the Chelsea no. 1 sustaining a groin injury against Everton, though it is not yet clear exactly how long he will be out.
- John Obi Mikel may return to the starting XI, while Frank Lampard could play in defensive midfield once again.