Jan
Bednarek could be handed his Premier League debut as Southampton face a
crucial clash with Chelsea on Saturday, live on Sky Sports.
Saints are without defender Jack Stephens after he was sent off in the 3-2
defeat to Arsenal last weekend.
That could mean a debut in a five-man defence for 22-year-old Bednarek, who
joined last summer from Lech Poznan but has so far only featured in cup
competitions.
"I've got options which I'm grateful for, but obviously you want
continuity," said Saints boss Mark Hughes on Thursday.
"Bednarek's a good young player, he came here for a significant amount of
money, and he's played at a good level in Poland, in front of huge crowds.
So it's not as if he hasn't got experience of operating at high level with
pressure to perform.
"He's only 22, it's his birthday today in fact, but if I make the decision
that he's going to be involved, then I've got no qualms with that."
Saints start the weekend in the relegation zone, three points from safety
with six games left to play. They also face Chelsea in the semi-finals of
the FA Cup next weekend.
Chelsea have won just one of their last five Premier League matches and are
10 points behind fourth-placed Tottenham.
Team news
Saints' only absentees are the suspended Stephens and Steven Davis, who is
not yet ready to return from injury.
Chelsea have no new injury concerns, with David Luiz (knee) and Ethan Ampadu
(ankle) still out.
Opta facts
Southampton have only won one of their nine Premier League games against
Chelsea at St Mary's Stadium (D2 L6), winning 2-1 in March 2013 thanks to
goals from Jay Rodriguez and Rickie Lambert.
Only Manchester United (10) have won more away games at St Mary's Stadium in
all competitions than Chelsea have (7).
Since the start of 2016-17, Southampton have failed to win any of their 22
Premier League matches against sides starting the day in the top six (D8
L14).
If Southampton lose this game, Mark Hughes will become only the second
manager to lose three Premier League games against the same opponent in a
single season after Graeme Souness vs Arsenal in 2004-05.
Merson's prediction
This is a must-win game for Southampton. Would they rather win this or the
FA Cup semi-final next week? I don't know.
I think Southampton need to have a go and that will allow Chelsea to pick
them off.
It's a nice game for Chelsea as Southampton have to come out and play and
aren't going to kick them off the pitch. I don't think they will make it
that hard for Chelsea.
Southampton had a great chance to beat Arsenal last weekend after taking the
lead but if they don't win this game then they probably need to win two or
three of their last five, which is too much.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-3 (14/1 with Sky Bet)
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