Eden
Hazard will be aiming to continue his strong start to the season when
Chelsea face Southampton on Super Sunday, live on
Sky Sports.
Hazard is the leading scorer in the Premier League with six goals in seven
matches, including the opener in Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Liverpool last
weekend.
He was introduced from the bench on Thursday as Chelsea made eight changes
for their Europa League win over MOL Vidi.
They will be back to full strength on Sunday as they look to go top of the
table ahead of Liverpool's clash with Manchester City.
Southampton have won just once in their opening seven games and lost twice
to Chelsea in quick succession last season, blowing a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2
at St Mary's and then going down 2-0 in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
Manager Mark Hughes believes Chelsea can be contenders for silverware again
this season, saying: "I think Chelsea will always be a (title) contender,
you see the quality of their squad.
"The strength in depth they've got is comparable to all the other top teams.
They will go close. They've got a new manager and it seems when Chelsea
change management that initial season usually seems to be the one that they
are very strong in.
"I feel, given what I've already seen, they will have a strong season and go
very close."
Team news
Alongside Hazard, defenders Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Antonio Rudiger
and Marcos Alonso were among those afforded a rest against Vidi. Striker
Olivier Giroud and midfielder Jorginho should also return.
Mark Hughes welcomes forward Shane Long, who missed the Carabao Cup clash
with Everton in midweek, back into his squad after overcoming a toe issue.
Southampton's options are further boosted after Moi Elyounoussi returned to
training.
"Shane Long is back, he trained today. Moi Elyounoussi also trained today,
Ryan Bertrand trained and Alex McCarthy also," Hughes said. "They'll all be
available as long as we don't see a reaction overnight."
Opta stats
Southampton have lost each of their last six matches against Chelsea in all
competitions, including three last season (two in the Premier League, one in
the FA Cup).
Chelsea have lost just one of their 11 visits to St. Mary's against
Southampton (W8 D2), winning each of their last three in a row.
The team scoring first in Premier League matches between Southampton and
Chelsea have gone on to win in just four of the last 10 meetings - in the
most recent game, Southampton surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2.
Southampton are winless in 25 Premier League meetings with 'big six'
opponents (D7 L18), since beating Liverpool, Man City and Spurs in three
consecutive such games in the 2015-16 season.
Southampton have only won one of their last 13 Premier League games played
on a Sunday (D7 L5), beating Everton 4-1 in November 2017.
Chelsea's Olivier Giroud has played 199 Premier League games, and could
become the 17th French player to reach 200 in the competition.
Southampton manager Mark Hughes has lost his last six matches against
Chelsea in all competitions, including both as Saints boss.
Merson's prediction
Southampton had a great result in midweek in the Carabao Cup against
Everton. They are not going to win the league or come seventh even so why
not give your fans a day out at Wembley like they did a few years ago. Their
midweek performance will have taken a lot out of them. Chelsea are in the
Europa League but they will rest a lot of their stars. I just don't see how
Southampton contain Eden Hazard, I think it's impossible.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-3 ()
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