Antonio Conte expects to “suffer” against Southampton, which was a surprising choice of words before the visit of a team thrashed at home in midweek by Leicester. Yet Chelsea expect their visitors to be stung by that loss, and therefore much improved from the lethargic mishmash which succumbed too easily on the south coast. “The coach, the club, the players don’t want to extend a bad run, and will want to give a response against a team like Chelsea,” said Conte. “Manchester City only beat them recently in the 96th minute.” The champions will be wary. Dominic FifieldKick-off Saturday 3pmVenue Stamford BridgeLast season Chelsea 4 Southampton 2Referee Roger EastThis season G7, Y24, R1, 3.57 cards per gameOdds H 2-5 A 9-1 D 4-1ChelseaSubs from Caballero, Eduardo, Scott, Rüdiger, Clarke-Salter, Zappacosta, Kenedy, Bakayoko, Drinkwater, Ampadu, Sterling, Musonda, Batshuayi, MorataDoubtful Drinkwater (match fitness), Morata (back)Injured David Luiz (knee, 20 Dec)Suspended NoneForm WDWWLWDiscipline Y21 R3Leading scorer Morata 9SouthamptonSubs from McCarthy, Taylor, Soares, Hoedt, Pied, Davis, Romeu, Boufal, Gabbiadini, Austin, McQueen, Sims, Bednarek, Gardos, Hesketh, TargettDoubtful NoneInjured NoneSuspended NoneForm LWLDDLDiscipline Y16 R0Leading scorer Austin 5

Source: The Guardian December 15, 2017 15:33 UTC