Chelsea XI vs Southampton: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for Premier League game

Evening Standard

·24 February 2025

Chelsea XI vs Southampton: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for Premier League game

Blues could play winger up front after series of injuries

Cole Palmer is looking to spark Chelsea back into life

OneFootball Videos

ES Composite

Your matchday briefing on Chelsea, featuring team news and expert analysis from Malik Ouzia

Sign up

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Enzo Maresca has hinted that Pedro Neto will continue in his new role at centre-forward when Chelsea host Southampton in the Premier League on Tuesday night.

The Blues are without first-choice No9 Nicolas Jackson because of a hamstring injury, with backup striker Marc Guiu also injured in the game against West Ham earlier this month.

Maresca had initially used Christopher Nkunku at centre-forward in the absence of that pair and even experimented with Cole Palmer as a false nine in the defeat to Brighton a fortnight ago.

However, neither formula worked and Maresca instead turned to Neto to lead the line in Saturday’s meeting with Aston Villa.

While Chelsea’s dismal run of form continued with a 2-1 defeat, Neto’s performance was a notable bright spot, with the Portuguese creating Enzo Fernandez’s opening goal.

“It could be a good option,” Maresca said, when asked whether the winger would keep his place for the visit of Saints. “We tried with Neto in days before the game and we saw he could do that. It was a positive one.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea will be without centre-back Trevor Chalobah, who was forced off early in the loss at Villa and is set to miss the next two games.

Tosin Adarabioyo replaced Chalobah at Villa Park and is likely to come into the XI, though academy graduate Josh Acheampong is another option.

Maresca must also decide whether to again use Reece James in midfield, but has been cautious with his captain’s minutes and could instead recall Jadon Sancho further up the pitch.

Chelsea predicted XI: Jorgensen; Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Sancho, Palmer, Nkunku; Neto

Injured: Jackson, Guiu, Chalobah, Lavia, Fofana, Madueke, Badiashile, Kellyman

Unavailable: Mudryk

Time and date: 8.15pm GMT on Tuesday 25 February 2025

TV channel and live stream: TNT Sports

View publisher imprint