Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended

Chelsea vs Southampton: Saints hold Maurizio Sarri's side to draw at Stamford Bridge

Re-live all of the action from Stamford Bridge

Callum Rice-Coates,Ethan Georgiou
Wednesday 02 January 2019 16:02 EST
Comments
Chelsea: A look back at 2018

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Chelsea dropped two points in their bid for a Champions League return as Southampton saw out a stalemate at Stamford Bridge.

Eden Hazard was twice denied by Saints goalkeeper Angus Gunn and Alvaro Morata had a strike ruled out for offside as the Blues' lack of attacking precision was evident once more in the goalless draw.

Chelsea reached the turn of the year in fourth place, five points clear of Arsenal, but the Gunners' win over Fulham on New Year's Day, plus the stubbornness of relegation-threatened Saints, cut their advantage to three points. Re-live the action below


Preview

What time does it start?

Chelsea vs Southampton kicks off at 7:45pm (GMT)

Where can I watch it?

The match will not be shown live on TV or online in the UK.

Independent Sport will provide you with updates of the action via our live blog.

Player to watch…

Eden Hazard: The Belgian midfielder is on fire for Chelsea with four goals in his last five matches. The fans will be praying that he stays amidst uncertainty surrounding his contract. His new role as a false nine has him involved in nearly every attack and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he runs riot in the middle tonight.

Form guide…

  • Chelsea: WWLWWL
  • Southampton: LLWWLL

Odds…

  • Chelsea to win: 27/100
  • Southampton to win: 21/2
  • Draw: 24/5

Prediction:

Chelsea 2-0 Southampton: Southampton got off to a good start under Hassenhuttl but the results have dipped and they’ve been poor since. Chelsea looked calm and composed against Crystal Palace on Sunday so I feel they’ll win this one relatively comfortably at home.

Welcome

Good evening and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of tonight's Premier League football.

We will be focusing on Newcastle vs Manchester United to see whether Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can make it four from four. 

Jack Watson2 January 2019 16:01

Six games for our consumption this evening, with 12 more Premier League clubs looking to get 2019 off to the perfect start.

We'll be bringing you goal updates from the five 7.45pm kick-offs and more detailed coverage of Newcastle and Manchester United at St James' Park, which gets under way at 8.00pm.

Team news from each of the five early games will be in shortly....

Harry Latham-Coyle2 January 2019 18:39

TEAM NEWS - Bournemouth vs Watford

Kick-off at the Vitality Stadium has been delayed by 15 minutes due to an incident in the East Stand.

Nevertheless, here is the team news:

Harry Latham-Coyle2 January 2019 18:49

TEAM NEWS - Chelsea vs Southampton

Harry Latham-Coyle2 January 2019 18:50

TEAM NEWS - Huddersfield vs Burnley

Harry Latham-Coyle2 January 2019 18:51

TEAM NEWS - West Ham vs Brighton

Samir Nasri comes straight onto the West Ham bench after joining the club this week

Harry Latham-Coyle2 January 2019 18:53

TEAM NEWS - Wolves vs Crystal Palace

Harry Latham-Coyle2 January 2019 18:54

​Got all of that?

As mentioned, this man returns to the Premier League tonight, Samir Nasri on the bench and ready for action should West Ham call upon him this evening.

Harry Latham-Coyle2 January 2019 18:55

Not too long to digest all of the team news elsewhere.

Just a couple of minutes until the starting lineups are named on Tyneside. Will Alexis Sanchez make an immediate return to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first XI?

Harry Latham-Coyle2 January 2019 18:58

TEAM NEWS - Newcastle vs Manchester United

Harry Latham-Coyle2 January 2019 19:00

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in