Predicted Chelsea XI to face Southampton: Badiashile returns, James & Silva rested & Havertz dropped

Chelsea are hoping to claim their first win in five games in all competitions when they host Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

Graham Potter’s side’s four game run (W1, D3) came to an end on Wednesday night when they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

A whole host of missed chances proved costly again for Chelsea, who will be keen to extend their four matches in the Premier League unbeaten to five on Saturday afternoon against a managerless Southampton side.

Chelsea vs Southampton: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time, team news and prediction

“What’s happened before is no reference, that’s the challenge,” Potter said on facing bottom of the table Southampton. “We have to focus on ourselves, then ready for the challenge because there is a big challenge coming our way.”

Chelsea are currently sat in 10th place and will be hoping to not only get the scoresheet at the weekend, but also claim a win which would be their first in five games in all competitions.

So how could Chelsea line-up against Southampton?

Possible XI: Kepa, Azpilicueta, Koulibaly, Badiashile, Chilwell, Fernandez, Zakaria, Madueke, Felix, Mudryk, Fofana

Benoit Badiashile is likely to return to the starting XI after being ineligible for the European clash in midweek. Ben Chilwell is in contention to continue in the side, with Raheem Sterling set to be fit enough for selection after injury.

“Providing they come through (training on Friday afternoon) okay, good chance they’ll be in squad,” said Potter, when asked about Chilwell and Sterling.

Reece James has been rested, according to reports, as have Thiago Silva, Marc Cucurella and Hakim Ziyech ahead of crucial upcoming fixtures.

Noni Madueke is back available and after his bright performances against Fulham and West Ham, Potter may opt to bring him back into the side. Chelsea’s attack has been told to improve by Potter after the countless missed chances. Joao Felix and Mykhailo Mudryk are likely to retain their places.

Kai Havertz has been underwhelming and David Datro Fofana has been waiting in the wings patiently for his chance, as has outcast Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang but he has reportedly been left out of the squad. It could therefore see a change to who leads the line on Saturday in the capital.