Chelsea have a good historical record against Southampton and have won 50 out of the 114 matches

Chelsea are in desperate need of three points when they take on Southampton at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.

The Blues’ rut continued at the weekend as they surrendered a first-half advantage and lost 2-1 at Aston Villa, with Filip Jorgensen’s egregious error in the dying embers of the contest costing Enzo Maresca’s side.

Chelsea are suffering in the absence of a recognised centre-forward, although their current malaise pre-dates Nicolas Jackson’s injury setback. They’re now seventh in the table having once been considered a potential title contender at Christmas.

However, no matter how bad things have been in west London as of late, Chelsea’s misery can’t compare to what Southampton supporters have endured this term. The Saints remain on nine points and still risk ending the season with the lowest points haul in Premier League history.

Ivan Juric’s lacklustre outfit were cast aside by Brighton on Saturday, losing 4-0.

Maresca changed tack at Villa Park on Saturday, opting to use Reece James in midfield and Pedro Neto up top. The plot initially paid off with Neto teeing up the opening goal, and we’ll likely see the Portuguese international utilised centrally again. Nicolas Jackson is out until after the international break with a thigh injury.

Jadon Sancho could come back into the side if James drops out, with Fernandez likely to operate alongside Moises Caicedo. The Blues currently can’t call upon Noni Madueke and Romeo Lavia.

In defence, Trevoh Chalobah was withdrawn at Villa Park and is poised to miss Chelsea’s next two games, while Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile are still sidelined. Tosin Adarabioyo is likely to come back in.

Chelsea predicted lineup vs Southampton (4-2-3-1): Jorgensen; Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Palmer, Nkunku, Sancho; Neto.

Jan Bednarek was forced off early on in Saturday’s defeat to Brighton and is a doubt for the trip to west London. Armel Bella-Kotchap will likely start in place of the Polish international despite Jack Stephens’ return to fitness.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis won’t be back until March due to an ankle injury, and the visitors are also without Ross Stewart, Ryan Fraser, and Adam Lallana.

Southampton predicted lineup vs Chelsea (3-5-2): Ramsdale; Aribo, Bella-Kotchap, Bree; Sugawara, Gronbaek, Smallbone, Walker-Peters; Fernandes; Onuachu, Sulemana.