Chelsea predicted lineup vs Southampton - Premier League | OneFootball

When Chelsea thrashed Southampton 5-1 in the reverse fixture back in December, talk surrounding a potential title tilt was rife.

Chants of "we've got our Chelsea back" echoed out of the away end as Enzo Maresca's side swaggered to victory on the south coast, keeping pace with league leaders Liverpool.

Fast forward two months and the mood has drastically altered in west London. The Blues are preparing for the reverse fixture on Tuesday night aiming to stop the rot. They've lost four of their previous five in all competitions, have won three games in 2025, and are now seventh in the Premier League table.

Maresca has been hindered by injuries, no doubt, and Chelsea's current absences forced a changing of tack at the weekend which reaped some reward in Saturday's 2-1 defeat.

Here's how the Blues could line up for Southampton's visit.

Chelsea predicted lineup vs Southampton (4-2-3-1)

Chelsea must stop the rot against Southampton on Tuesday night / Clive Mason/GettyImages

GK: Filip Jorgensen - His error on Saturday was straight out of the Robert Sanchez playbook and it cost Chelsea a point, but Maresca has suggested he'll be sticking with Jorgensen on Tuesday night.

RB: Malo Gusto - It's been a mixed campaign at best for the French full-back, with some questioning whether the role he performs in the Italian's set-up is ideal for a player of his profile. He often pops up in the final third yet only has one goal contribution in the league.

CB: Tosin Adarabioyo - Trevoh Chalobah is set to miss out with a back injury, so Tosin, who came on in the first half at Villa Park, should start on Tuesday.

CB: Levi Colwill - The Englishman has been close to a mainstay at the heart of Chelsea's defence this term, but he's endured an error-laden campaign.

LB: Marc Cucurella - One of Maresca's most trusted lieutenants, Cucurella has very little competition for minutes at left-back following Renato Veiga's exit in January.

CM: Moises Caicedo - The midfielder is one of only two Chelsea players to start all 26 Premier League outings this term. Caicedo could perhaps do with some respite, but the Blues' options in reserve have played little under Maresca in this competition.

CM: Enzo Fernandez - Chelsea's goalscorer on Saturday, Fernandez could drop into a deeper role against the Saints with Reece James unlikely to start in midfield again. The skipper got through 90 minutes last time out.

RW: Cole Palmer - It was a mightily frustrating evening in the West Midlands for Palmer, who's now gone six games without a single goal contribution. He's missing Jackson.

AM: Christopher Nkunku - Chelsea need more from Nkunku, who simply hasn't cut the mustard in the Premier League to this point. After a tough outing on Saturday, Maresca should keep the faith in the distinctly talented Frenchman.

LW: Jadon Sancho - It's been a nondescript start to 2025 for Sancho, who could be recalled to the XI after coming off the bench against Villa.

ST: Pedro Neto - Neto's utilisation as a central outlet paid dividends in the first half on Saturday, and it looks like the Portuguese international is Chelsea's best hope of mitigating Jackson's absence.