As we approach the end of November, the games just keep coming thick and fast for Chelsea. Yes, it’s time again for some Carabao Cup action and it’s Chelsea vs Southampton at home in the competition s round of 16. While it may not be top of Thomas Tuchel’s priorities, it is still a chance to win silverware and an opportunity to share minutes around a large squad. As a result, expect Chelsea to be chasing yet another win in this recent good run of form.
Despite this, Chelsea haven’t actually won the League Cup since 2015, when a Kurt Zouma midfield masterclass (yes, you read that right!) helped Chelsea beat Tottenham 2-0 at Wembley to take home the trophy. Southampton on the other hand have never won the competition, although did finish as runners up in 2017.
As far as team news goes, Chelsea are still without Lukaku, Werner and Pulisic. However, N’Golo Kante is fit and available again after missing out at the weekend due to muscle fatigue. Southampton will also be missing a few key players. Elyounoussi is out with an injury, while Ward-Prowse and Broja are both ineligible to play.
It will be interesting to see what kind of lineup Thomas Tuchel puts out tonight. Some changes are surely to be expected after the third round, but equally, Tuchel has made it clear that he picks players on merit. There will probably be chances to impress for the likes of Loftus-Cheek, Sarr, Ziyech and Barkley, but whether or not Saul plays will be a point of contention. In a game of rotation on both sides, it could come down to who’s squad players want it more.
With all this in mind, some of the writers at the Chelsea Social have shared their predictions on how Chelsea vs Southampton is the Carabao Cup will turn out.
RJ (@RJ_Goodthings)
4-0 win against Malmo, 7-0 demolition of Norwich a few days later, it’s been a good week to be a Blue!
It is now Chelsea vs Southampton in the round of the 16 Carabao Cup after securing a convincing 3-1 victory over the Saints a few weeks ago in the Premier League.
For some fans this represents an opportunity to inject some fresh faces so as to give them a chance to impress, for others, it is the perfect time to maintain the momentum and continue our strong form. From my perspective, I see it is as a blend of both. On one hand, I do believe rotation could be beneficial for both those coming in as well as those rested, but I still want a strong side to take the pitch as we should still be actively pursuing silverware when it’s available.
While Lukaku and Werner remain out of action, this is a great time for the likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi (CHO) and Kai Havertz to continue refining their game. With CHO, he has had two strong performances in his preferred attacking left position, he needs to continue to demonstrate that he can deliver these great efforts consistently so as to give Tuchel a selection headache when others are back and ready to play.
The Saints have gone onto win against Leeds and draw against Burnley since we last locked horns and have started to show signs of life. Whether they actively pursue success in this competition or look to focus their efforts on the Premier League given their 16th placed standing at present is yet to be seen. Further, Southampton will be unable to call upon in-form striker Armando Broja given he’s ineligible to partake against his parent club, however the fast-rising Tino Livramento has been a revelation this season and also caused us troubles the last game whereby he won his team a penalty via Chilwell’s unfortunately mistimed tackle.
From a team selection point of view, I am expecting several changes, specifically: Kepa, Sarr, Christensen, Azpilicueta, Alonso, James, Jorginho, Loftus-Cheek, Hudson-Odoi, Mount, Havertz. As I said for the Norwich game, I would like to see Pulisic (if available) and Ziyech get some minutes and maybe bring on Saul and Kante for a brief spell ahead of Newcastle.
Ultimately, I want us to maintain the momentum built and take it to Newcastle. However, there is value is strategically managing our players and giving some key stars a rest while enabling others an opportunity to impress.
Prediction: Chelsea 2 – 0 Southampton
Maria Dulce (@usernamedulce)
Double R for this one: rest and rotation! The beauty of squad depth at its finest. The best opportunity to try out new team setups it’s here and now, in a low-risk, winnable game.
Regarding team news, Werner, Lukaku, and Pulisic are still out, which means the front three will have, once again, an innovative configuration, in order to develop chemistry between players. This comes also as an opportunity for Hakim Ziyech to come back into the team after a series of underwhelming performances. Hopefully, his time out of the squad has made him battle for progress, and he will display confidence and urgency throughout the match.
Furthermore, having played Southampton previously in the league this season, it is a well-known fact the Saints are no pushovers. So if Tuchel really does go for testing out new combinations of players who have not been regularly in the squad, our defense will probably have a bit more work than usual during the first few minutes on the pitch. Once everything is settled, realistically, the Blues certainly have got what it takes to get past Chelsea vs Southampton the Carabao Cup. Moreover, it would be a nice change to see Kepa starting this one for him to gain confidence, as his duties will be fully required while Mendy leaves for the AFCON later on in the season.
Thus, rationally, considering our amazing past few results, this will be a cool-headed game, looking to consolidate our outstanding momentum. Come on you Blues!
Prediction: Chelsea 3 – 0 Southampton
Sam Tabuteau (@tabuteauS)
Chelsea have enjoyed the perfect return to action following the international break. With 11 goals scored and none conceded in the last 180 minutes of football, The Blues will be confident of continuing their rich vein of form as they welcome Southampton in the Carabao Cup.
Whilst Chelsea’s Cobham contingent shone against Norwich at the weekend, fellow academy graduates came to the fore on the south coast. Armando Broja and Tino Livramento were both on the scoresheet as Southampton drew with Burnley.
Broja will be unavailable to face his parent side, though Livramento will feel he has a point to prove following his departure from Chelsea this summer. Livramento impressed as Southampton ran Thomas Tuchel’s side close in the Premier League earlier this month.
Where Chelsea are concerned Callum Hudson-Odoi will be looking to build on his performance against Norwich, whilst Ruben Loftus-Cheek will be hopeful of impressing from the off, following an imperious cameo at the weekend.
Chelsea and Southampton will both likely rotate, and with that in mind Chelsea’s squad depth should prove the difference between the two sides.
Prediction: Chelsea 2 – 1 Southampton
Luka Foley (@UOGLuka)
The Blues are back in midweek action once again, but remain domestic it is Chelsea vs Southampton in the League Cup at the Bridge. The players will want to continue their fine goalscoring form from Saturday but it may not be 7-0 against the Saints, as the League Cup brings with it typical squad rotation.
With Newcastle coming up on Saturday, Tuchel is likely to make quite a few changes, perhaps a team similar to the one that beat Aston Villa on penalties in the previous round. Tuchel mentioned in his press conference yesterday that N’Golo Kante is now fit to play after missing out against Norwich at the weekend, so we could see the Frenchman get a few minutes in preparation for Newcastle.
With Tino Livramento moving from Stamford Bridge to Saint Mary’s back in the summer on a permanent deal, we could see him in action against his boyhood club, something Chelsea fans I’m sure would love to see.
Despite expecting wholesale changes from Tuchel for this match, I still think the Blues will get the job done and progress to the quarter finals.
Prediction: Chelsea 3 – 0 Southampton
Rey Stevinho (@Rey_Blues30)
As we look for the Carabao Cup, Thomas Tuchel will have his hands full at picking a decent starting lineup while rotating key positions. Several players could make way such as Kepa, Marcos Alonso and Saul. Ross Barkley who has been making sporadic appearances could also get a shout.
Loftus-Cheek will most likely get his name back into the eleven after unfortunately getting benched this past Saturday. His form and rejuvenation in the team has been a huge plus for the squad especially against rigid opponents. Southampton is exactly one of those hard-nosed teams that bring intensity and physicality.
They also have that quality in key positions that can hurt you. Tomorrow will be a test for our team as if we can keep up our momentum from the league. It will be a tough game. I predict a back and forth game in midfield. My prediction is a narrow win for the Blues. Hopefully Hudson-Odoi can continue his strong outing after impressing against Norwich.
Prediction: Chelsea 2 – 1 Southampton
Written by Chelsea Extra (@CFCExtra) with help from RJ, Maria, Sam, Luka and Rey.
Edited by Dan Hill (@idanknow05)
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