Southampton vs Chelsea: 'Our defence looks unbeatable at the moment'
FANS' VIEW: Supporters of the two sides give their view
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Your support makes all the difference.Southampton - Dane Emery
The return of Fraser Forster between the sticks has seen a six game run of consecutive clean sheets and another against Chelsea this weekend would equal the club’s record set in 2001. However, a rejuvenated Chelsea side will prove a stern test for our European credentials.
Ronald Koeman has tinkered with his formations this season, often choosing to operate with five at the back against the division's better sides. Ryan Bertrand has adapted impeccably to a centre-back role alongside the impressive Jose Fonte and Virgil van Dijk. Victor Wanyama is still suspended, so Oriol Romeu and Jordy Clasie are likely to continue in their ever improving partnership.
Chelsea will be tough opponents at St Mary's, but our defence looks almost unbeatable at the minute and I'm backing the Saints to equal their clean sheet record and record another impressive victory on Saturday. I'm going for a 2-0 win with Shane Long and Sadio Mane among the goals.
Chelsea - Kavan Flavius
Since losing 3-1 to Southampton earlier this season, we are back on the rise, having turned our season around under the calm stewardship of Guus Hiddink.
The Blues have only lost once in this post-Mourinho era, with key players such as Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic performing up to familiar standard. Eden Hazard is also playing well, albeit not consistently enough, and Willian – our player of the season so far – has maintained his level throughout.
We must be wary of Southampton, however. The Saints have not tasted defeat since early January, when they lost 2-1 to Crystal Palace in an FA Cup third-round tie. If the Blues can nullify the threat of Sadio Mane and Dusan Tadic, then they stand a very good chance of claiming the advantage.
Given our recent form, though, I predict that we will go on to win with a 2-1 result.
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