Saints’ opening match of 2019 against Chelsea isn’t the ideal way to start the New Year.
The Stamford Bridge side have proved themselves to be a formidable force under manager Maurizio Sarri since his summer arrival from Napoli.
But, Ralph Hasenhuttl will be desperate for his side to avoid another defeat which would make it three on the bounce after a fantastic start to December with one draw and two wins.
Saints will be without Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg for the clash due to a three game suspension.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
Hojbjerg got himself needlessly sent off in the final moments against Man City to deal his side a hammer blow for the fixtures coming up.
Chelsea have only lost once at Stamford Bridge this season and Saints will have to be at their best if they are to stand any chance of picking up a point or three.
Given Hasenhuttl rested a number of senior players against City, it’s likely his side will be given a boost if they are to return to the first team tonight.
Saints’ Premier League record against Chelsea:
P39 W8 D8 L23
Chelsea’s Premier League form this season:
P20 W13 D4 L3
Who is the opposition’s key player?
Chelsea star Eden Hazard
You can’t look any further than Belgian ace Eden Hazard.
He is head and shoulders above anyone else in the Chelsea team and has shown in recent weeks just how valuable he is.
It looked as though he would get his move to Real Madrid in the summer, but it didn’t happen for multiple reasons.
Instead of sulking about the situation, Hazard showed his class and just got on with his work.
The Belgian international is bound to get his move at some point and when he does leave it will be a huge loss to the Premier League.
A closer look at Maurizio Sarri:
Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri
After parting company with Antonio Conte in the summer, Chelsea opted to appoint someone with a great reputation in Europe, but who had never won a trophy.
Chairman Roman Abramovich prized Sarri away from Italian side Napoli whom he guided to second place in Serie A last season.
Much has been made of ‘Sarri Ball’, and after an electric start it looked as though the Italian was going to get Chelsea challenging for the Premier League.
But they have slowly faded away from Liverpool and Manchester City in recent weeks, despite beating City at the beginning of December.
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