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Preview: Southampton vs. Chelsea

Preview: Southampton vs. Chelsea
© PA Photos
Sports Mole previews this weekend's FA Cup third-round match between Southampton and Chelsea at St Mary's.

Southampton host Chelsea at St Mary's on Saturday as they attempt to push the Champions League winners out of the FA Cup.

Saints boss Nigel Adkins will be keen to have a decent run in the domestic competition but the former Championship side will also be focused on their Premier League campaign, which has placed them just one spot above the relegation zone in the table.

After a shock 1-0 defeat to Queens Park Rangers on Wednesday, Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez will be eager to get back on track in the cup competition when they travel to the South Coast.

Southampton could rest striker Rickie Lambert following the hectic festive schedule but playmaker Gaston Ramirez may keep his spot in the first team.

Meanwhile, Eden Hazard could be left out of the Chelsea squad for the match, while Fernando Torres could lead the line for the away side.

Recent form

Southampton: WLDDD

Chelsea: WWWWL

Possible starting lineups

Southampton: Boruc; Yoshida, Fonte, Shaw, Cork; Schneiderlin, Davis, Ward-Prowse, Puncheon; Ramirez; Rodriguez

Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, Cahill, Azpilicueta, Bertrand; Mata, Lampard, Oscar, Moses, Marin; Torres

Sports Mole says: 1-2


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Written by
Danielle Joynson
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