Chelsea v Southampton Predictions, Betting Tips & Preview

Sunday April 23 – Stamford Bridge – Premier League

With Chelsea now into the FA Cup final and on the brink of the Premier League title, Antonio Conte’s domination of the English game continues. Southampton’s hopes also lie with an Italian as Manolo Gabbiadini has emerged as a star.

Past Meetings

Chelsea have only tasted defeat twice in their last 10 meetings with the Saints, but they did lose the home game 3-1 last season. The Blues won 2-0 at St. Mary’s this season so they will be confident in bringing all three points home.

Team News

Gary Cahill is the only doubt for the home side as he was hospitalised with a mystery illness. However, the England international is nearing full fitness and could still feature on Tuesday. Willian’s standout performance against Tottenham last week could see him be handed a rare start.

Charlie Austin, Virgil Van Dijk, Alex McCarthy and Matt Targett are all ruled out through injury for the visitors and former Chelsea man Oriol Romeu is suspended. As Gabbiadini will be fully fit, Claude Puel’s game plan is unlikely to change.

Chelsea v Southampton Preview and Predictions

The Saints go marching on may be the song of the away side but it is Chelsea who just keep going this season. Despite losing to Crystal Palace and Manchester United this month, Conte’s men still have a healthy lead at the top of the table and the weekend FA Cup semi-final victory over England’s most in form side shows that it was just a momentary hiccup.

Chelsea enter the game as heavy favourites, priced at 4/9 for victory, while Southampton are at 7/1. Although the Saints aren’t the worst side in the league, odds of 7/1 may seem tempting but their chances of victory at Stamford Bridge are much lower. The draw is at 4/1, but as neither side is defensive and as a single point will have little benefit to either, it seems the most unlikely outcome.

Diego Costa’s run of poor form continues so backing him to score first at 1/3 remains a surprising risk, and although their chances of victory are small, Manolo Gabbiadini to open the scoring at 9/1 presents odds that are not only more logical, but more profitable too.

Recommended Bets

Chelsea to win 3-1 at 12/1

Although the Blues have the second best defensive record in the league, starting Gary Cahill is always a risk. Southampton should find the net, but Chelsea have more than enough muscle to put a few away themselves.

Pedro to score anytime at 13/8

The diminutive winger has been one of Chelsea’s brightest spots this season, even if he is not always given the credit he deserves. Crucial in the title bid and in reaching the FA Cup final, the former Barcelona man does not disappear when needed.