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2024/25 English Premier League
Matchday 14
Southampton v Chelsea
St Mary's Stadium
Southampton, England
Wednesday, 4 December 2024
Kick-off is at 21h30
Chelsea will be eager to maintain their impressive start under Enzo Maresca when they take on
Premier League basement dwellers Southampton at St Mary's on Wednesday, December 4.
The Blues have only suffered two defeats - against Manchester City and Liverpool - since Maresca took over the reins from Mauricio Pochettino in the off-season and they've collected 25 points from their opening 13 matches.
A 3-0 victory over Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on December 1 saw Maresca's side keep pace with Arsenal, who have an identical record of seven wins, four draws, two losses, 26 goals for and 14 against.
The two London clubs are separated by alphabetical order in the standings and they trail league leaders Liverpool by nine points in second and third place respectively.
The Saints are rooted to the foot of the table after winning just once since being promoted via the Championship playoffs, having lost three of their last five outings.
Russell Martin's side did well to hold high-flying Brighton (4th) to a 1-1 draw at the Amex on November 29, which took them within four points of Ipswich (19th), Wolves (18th) and Crystal Palace (17th).
They haven't been helped by a lengthy injury list and must do without Aaron Ramsdale (broken finger), Gavin Bazunu, Ross Stewart (both calf), Adam Lallana, Will Smallbone (both thigh) and Jan Bednarek (knee) for the visit of the West Londoners, while Flynn Downes, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Tyler Dibling are all suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
The visitors have an almost fully-fit squad at their disposal, with just Reece James and Omari Kellyman (both) unavailable for selection. Wesley Fofana (thigh) is rated doubtful.
Martin felt his team did enough to get all three points against the Seagulls and expressed his frustration that Cameron Archer's goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR check.
"I'm frustrated we didn't get three points, I'm frustrated we didn't win, I'm frustrated with the decision that's gone against us, but I'm really proud of the performance," he said.
"I thought first half we were good in spells but lacked a little bit of aggression and conviction in a few moments, which I understand when you're 1-0 down, their team is in a good place and obviously the position we're in, but I'm so proud of them second half.
"We didn't settle for a point, and we should have a goal. I've been told it's disallowed because Adam Armstrong's position affects the goalkeeper. I don't think he does, the goalkeeper can't get the cross, it goes behind Adam, it's too far away from him to get the cross, and he doesn't move position because of Adam's position."
Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
Maresca isn't getting carried away by Chelsea's fine start to the season and claims they aren't ready to compete for the title just yet as his players lack the experience of being in those high-pressure situations.
"I think we are not ready to compete with Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City for many reasons. Because we won today I am not going to change my idea, we are not ready for that. But the good thing is we are improving and hopefully very soon we can be there," the Italian said.
"For sure we need to improve many things. We can attack better, we can defend better, but for me what we need is that you need to live moments to get better.
"Arsenal, Liverpool and City players, they have all lived finals and competed for titles. We are going to be there soon, but this is one of the reasons we are still far and not ready to compete with them now."
Head-to-Head (Last Five Premier League Meetings)
Matches - 5
Southampton wins - 2
Chelsea wins - 2
Draws - 1
Premier League Matchday 14 fixtures:
Tuesday, December 3
21h30: Ipswich Town v Crystal Palace
22h15: Leicester City v West Ham United
Wednesday, December 4
21h30: Everton v Wolverhampton Wanderers
21h30: Manchester City v Nottingham Forest
21h30: Newcastle United v Liverpool
21h30: Southampton v Chelsea
22h15: Arsenal v Manchester United
22h15: Aston Villa v Brentford
Thursday, December 5
21h30: Fulham v Brighton & Hove Albion
22h15: AFC Bournemouth v Tottenham Hotspur
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