Team
news, stats and prediction ahead of Chelsea vs Southampton in the Carabao
Cup fourth round on Tuesday; kick-off 7.45pm.
Team news
Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante missed the Norwich game because of concerns
over a slight muscle tightness, but should be involved against Saints.
Thomas Tuchel said: "The (Norwich) game was too early. He did the full
training on Friday and after training, he said he feels his muscles a bit
tight.
"He went to the physios for massages and for some treatment and he actually
wanted to wait until Saturday in the morning to take the decision.
"I said no, it is such an early (kick-off time) game tomorrow, the
possibility that it will change is not so high.
"I said take your time and it was simply one day too early. If the match
would have been on Sunday he would have played, so he is fully available for
Tuesday and for Newcastle (on Saturday)."
Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner remain on the sidelines so Kai Havertz could
continue as the false number nine.
Southampton forward Mohamed Elyounoussi is set for minor surgery on his
hand, which will rule the Norway international out of Tuesday night's
Carabao Cup tie.
Elyounoussi played the whole 90 minutes of Saturday's 2-2 draw against
Burley, and is set for the procedure on Monday.
Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl expects the 27-year-old to be available again
for this weekend's trip to Watford.
"He (Elyounoussi) will have his operation on Monday," Hasenhuttl said. "He
needs to have it (to recover from the injury).
"He will miss the Chelsea game, but this is normal. He needs to have two or
three days' rest before he can train again."
Southampton will again be without James Ward-Prowse, who is serving the last
of his three-match ban following a straight red card in the Premier League
defeat at Chelsea on October 2.
On-loan Blues forward Armando Broja scored against Burnley but is not
eligible to face his parent club so will have time to rest the minor ankle
problem he picked up on Saturday.
Midfielder Stuart Armstrong came on for the closing stages against the
Clarets as he continues to build up sharpness following seven matches out
with a calf problem.
"He is getting better. It is important that we bring him back at the highest
level," Hasenhuttl said. "We need him playing so we will do this, and
hopefully Tuesday we will get another chance to show this."
James Ward-Prowse will serve the last of his three-match ban following a
straight red card in the Premier League defeat at Chelsea on October 2.
Brazil defender Lyanco, full-back Yan Valery, forward Shane Long and
goalkeeper Fraser Forster are among those who could all be in line to
feature at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.
Opta stats
Chelsea have progressed from both of their League Cup ties against
Southampton, with the most recent such meeting coming at this stage in
1997-98 - the Blues winning 2-1 at Stamford Bridge en route to lifting the
trophy.
Chelsea won 3-1 against Southampton at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League
earlier this month - only once have they won two home games against the same
team in a single calendar month in their history, doing so against Liverpool
in January 1997.
Chelsea have fallen at this stage of the League Cup in four of the last six
seasons, including each of the last two (vs Man Utd in 2019-20 and Tottenham
last season).
Southampton have scored 10 goals in their two League Cup games this season,
as many as they'd scored in their previous nine matches in the competition.
Only Preston (11) have netted more so far this term.
Timo Werner has scored in both of his League Cup appearances for Chelsea,
with both ending 1-1 and being settled on penalties.
No side has had more different goalscorers in the League Cup than
Southampton this season (excl. own goals), with their 10 goals being scored
by seven different players.
top