?Chelsea continue their top four bid against Southampton on Boxing Day following a victory over Tottenham during which off-pitch incidents made more headlines than the Blues’ brilliant performance in north London.
Two goals from Willian ensured Chelsea left Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with three points, with fifth placed Sheffield United four behind ahead of Thursday’s slate of top fight fixtures.
Southampton have won three of their last five league games and have striker Danny Ings scoring goals for fun, meaning this game could be a little more difficult for Frank Lampard’s side than most expect, especially considering their recent losses to Bournemouth and Everton.
Here’s a look at the team Lampard could pick to face the Saints.
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK) – had little to do on Sunday, bar remove coffee cups thrown on to the pitch by a Tottenham fan who has since been ?banned. Has had his wobbles between the sticks the season and divides opinion.
Reece James (RWB) – With Cesar Azpilicueta a doubt after coming off at the weekend, we could see more of youth prospect James. Made his name with a goal against Ajax and scooped an assist in the 2-1 victory over Aston Villa earlier in December.
Fikayo Tomori (CB) – A real breakout star for the Blues this season, Tomori’s performances have seen him capped at international level with England and he looks a really exciting talent to watch out for over the next few years.
Kurt Zouma (CB) – Has struggled to nail down a consistent starting place at Chelsea but has got a run of games under his belt this season and is evidently benefitting.
Antonio Rudiger (CB) – Had quite an unpleasant Sunday afternoon. Alleged racial abuse was directed at the German, while he also caught a chunk of Son Heung-min’s studs, for which the South Korean was sent off. Has had injury issues this term but has looked solid when he has played.
Marcos Alonso (LWB) – The poor lad’s head is probably still spinning after being clattered by a brainless challenge from Paulo Gazzanigga on Sunday. It did win Chelsea a penalty, however, and effectively ruined Tottenham’s chances of getting anything from the game.
Midfielders
Jorginho (CM) – Was surprisingly dropped from the starting XI against Tottenham but Lampard’s decision proved to be inspired and the Italy international should reclaim his spot against ?Southampton.
N’Golo Kante (CM) – Yeah, he’s really good. Really, really good. Covers a lot of ground and can break lines going forward. Really good.
Forwards
Willian (RW) – Ultimately the match-winner against ?Spurs, Willian got ?Chelsea off to a brilliant start when he cut inside and curled into the far corner before scoring his side’s second from the penalty spot.
Tammy Abraham (ST) – Relatively quiet on Sunday, Abraham remains one of the league’s top scorers with 11 in the league, though he only has two in his seven games in all competitions. Definitely due a goal.
Christian Pulisic (LW) – Was left on the bench on Sunday and could be recalled in place of Mason Mount. Was brilliant from late October through November but remains without an attacking contribution this month.
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