CHELSEA will be aiming to record back-to-back wins in the Premier League for the first time this season when they meet Southampton at St Mary's on Tuesday night.
Although Chelsea appear to be going through a transition period under coach Thomas Tuchel, they did open their season by earing a hard-fought 1-0 win at Everton.
However, a chaotic 2-2 draw with London rivals Tottenham was followed by a 3-0 drubbing at Leeds, a pair of setbacks that brought the Blues back down to earth with a bang.
That being said, 10-man Chelsea showed real fighting spirit to beat Leicester 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, so they should have a spring in their step ahead of their midweek visit to Southampton.
Ralph Hasenhüttl's hosts have made a mixed start to the new season, as they've taken four points from 12 in the Premier League.
The Saints got up an running after drawing with Leeds and a subsequent win at Leicester, however their momentum was halted by a 1-0 defeat against Manchester United on Saturday.
Outright Betting
Southampton are winless in each of their last nine Premier League home matches against Chelsea and the bookmakers expect that trend to continue, with a home win on offer at 5/1 (Betfred) while a share of the the spoils can be backed at 16/5 (Bet 365).
Despite triumphing in just four of their last 10 top-flight fixtures, Chelsea make the trip to St Mary's as heavily-fancied 8/13 favourites with SBK.
Betting Angles
Chelsea look too short to side with at the aforementioned price but combining over one Chelsea goal and under two Southampton goals will bring about a nice looking 11/10 (Bet 365) Bet Builder.
Southampton are a side more comfortable when they can be positive so it’s unlikely they’ll just sit deep and try to restrain the Blues as that really doesn’t play to their strengths.
However, that approach could play into Chelsea's hands, and while Thomas Tuchels's team have blown hot and cold this season so far, there is no question that they have the tools to carve out opportunities against a leaky Saints side.
Chelsea demonstrated against both Tottenham and Leicester that they are very capable of attacking effectively and they should get more joy in forward areas when faced with Ralph Hasenhüttl's ropey rearguard.
Southampton have kept just one clean sheet across their last 16 Premier League matches, shipping multiple strikes in a sizeable 12 outings during that sequence.
With this in mind, coupled with the fact the aforementioned 11/10 (Bet 365) combination clicked in both meetings between the pair last season, supporting the same formula on Tuesday night makes plenty of appeal.
After opening his Chelsea account with two vital goals in his sides' 2-1 victory over Leicester last time out, I'll also back Raheem Sterling to either score or assist at 10/11 with PaddyPower.
The above-mentioned prop play would have paid out in each of Chelsea's last three Premier League goals, so siding with the same selection at St Mary's could represent a spot of early-season value.
This English Premier League match between Southampton and Chelsea will be played on Aug 30, 2022 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Southampton vs Chelsea prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
