Southampton prepare to face Chelsea at St Mary’s Stadium

As Southampton prepare to face Chelsea at St. Mary’s Stadium, the odds appear stacked against the home side. Southampton have only managed a meager four points in their last five games, struggling to find the back of the net with just four goals in that span. Meanwhile, Chelsea have exhibited impressive form, notching 11 points from their last five outings and remaining unbeaten on the road. The Blues’ attack has been in fine form, scoring in their last six away matches and averaging 1.8 goals per game in recent play.

The Saints have found it difficult to score consistently, finding the net in only 62% of their games this season. Against a Chelsea side that has been defensively solid, this trend could continue. Despite Southampton’s decent goal-scoring run at home recently, Chelsea’s robust away performance—fueled by a 67% winning rate—makes them the favorites.

Historically, Chelsea has dominated this matchup, winning over half of their last 25 encounters with Southampton. With momentum on their side and a mission to continue their unbeaten run, Chelsea will likely aim to secure another victory, adding to their 13 wins in previous meetings.

Given Chelsea’s current form and goalscoring prowess, coupled with Southampton’s struggles at home, it’s expected that Chelsea will come away with the win. Southampton will need to dig deep to challenge a Chelsea side that seems to be firing on all cylinders.

Insights

• Southampton has struggled at home this season with a low average of 0.8 points per game from their last 5 matches.
• Southampton has been inconsistent in scoring, failing to score in 38% of their matches this season.
• Chelsea has been strong away from home with an unbeaten streak in their last two away matches.
• Chelsea has a high win rate of 67% on their travels this season.
• Chelsea has scored in their last 12 matches and their offensive form remains robust with 9 goals in the last 5 games.
• Previous meetings between Southampton and Chelsea average 3.24 goals per game.
• BTTS (Both Teams To Score) has landed in 64% of their past encounters.
• Southampton is in poor home form, averaging only 0.67 points per game at home.
• Chelsea averages 2.17 points per game in away matches, indicating strong away performance.
• Southampton’s recent form shows them winning just one of their last 5 games.
• Chelsea remains unbeaten in their last 5 games, winning three and drawing two.
• Chelsea’s recent matches have frequently seen both teams scoring, with BTTS landing in 4 of their last 5 games.
• Chelsea’s strong historical performance against Southampton, winning 13 out of 25 past fixtures, suggests a psychological edge.

Match Forecast

• Chelsea will likely create numerous chances using through balls due to Southampton’s weak defense against such attacks.
• Southampton may struggle with finishing scoring chances, highlighting Chelsea’s strong ability to protect leads.
• Chelsea’s strength in shooting from direct free kicks could be crucial, given Southampton’s tendency to commit fouls in dangerous areas.
• Southampton’s individual skill could lead to some creative chances, but they may falter in execution against Chelsea’s robust defense.
• Chelsea’s counter-attacking gameplay might exploit Southampton’s vulnerabilities, particularly their very weak defense against set pieces.
• Both teams employ short pass possession play; however, Chelsea’s central attacking focus may penetrate Southampton’s defensive weaknesses more effectively.
• Southampton’s aggressive style may result in high foul counts, potentially providing additional set-piece opportunities for Chelsea.
• Chelsea may need to be mindful of aerial duels, one area where Southampton could potentially exploit a shared weakness.
• Southampton’s tendency to rotate their first eleven may influence their cohesion negatively compared to Chelsea’s consistency in team selection.

Match Facts

• In the last 24 home games against Chelsea, Southampton have won 5 times, drawn 4, and lost 15. Chelsea has a goal difference of 50-23 in these matches.
• Out of 49 total matchups, Southampton have claimed victory 10 times, there have been 11 draws, and Chelsea have triumphed on 28 occasions, with a goal difference of 92-50 favoring Chelsea.
• Chelsea score 26% of their goals between the 46th and 60th minutes of play.
• Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 5 games.
• Southampton have failed to score in 2 of their 6 home league games this season.
• Chelsea have found the net in all 6 of their away league fixtures this season.
• A year ago, Chelsea were 10th in the league with 16 points; they are now 3rd with 22 points.
• Southampton wins the first half in 41% of their games, while Chelsea does so in 40% of theirs.
• Southampton wins 41% of halftimes, Chelsea wins 40% of halftimes.
• Southampton won the last encounter between these two teams.
• In their last meeting, Southampton triumphed by a one-goal margin.
• When leading 1-0 at home, Southampton goes on to win 76% of matches.
• Chelsea, when leading 1-0 away, wins 71% of matches.
• Southampton wins 14% when trailing 0-1 at home.
• Chelsea wins 8% when trailing 1-0 away from home.
• Chelsea’s Premier League performance surpasses Southampton’s.
• Chelsea’s form over the last 5 matches is better than Southampton’s.
• In the last 5 fixtures between them, Southampton won 2 and Chelsea won 3, with no draws.
• Southampton averages 1 goal per match against Chelsea, who score an average of 2.2 goals against Southampton.
• Matches between Southampton and Chelsea feature an average of 3.2 goals.
• First halves of matches between Southampton and Chelsea average 2 goals.
• Southampton averages 2.2 goals per game at home, while Chelsea averages 1.73 goals per game away.
• Chelsea has scored in each of their last 5 matches.