Predicted Southampton lineup vs Chelsea: Will Archer start again over Onuachu? | OneFootball

Whom could Ivan Juric entrust to start Southampton's final February game? Apart from the familiar defensive woes, Juric has a big selection call to make between Cameron Archer and Paul Onuachu.

Comparing Southampton and Chelsea's roster, the Saints are convincingly lagging behind on the defensive front. So, could they compensate for that lost ground with their attacking firepower?

If they plan to mount a significant Premier League challenge for the Blues, they must pay extra attention while choosing their frontmen. Ivan Juric made a refreshing change on the weekend by backing Cameron Archer over Paul Onuachu but will the 49-year-old do it again? Let's see.

Thus, below we present our predicted Southampton lineup for the Chelsea meeting.

Predicted Southampton lineup vs Chelsea: Will Archer start again over Onuachu?

GK - Aaron Ramsdale.

Only Southampton player who fills the Saints with enough confidence nowadays. Let's remain hopeful that he manages a clean sheet tonight.

LWB - Welington.

Going through a tricky phase at left-back and must stand out here to avoid Juric substituting him again.

CB - Armel Bella-Kotchap.

Juric will be forced to turn towards Bella-Kotchap with Bednarek requiring some recovery time.

CB - James Bree.

Another defender who will receive the playing nod solely for being fit.

CB - Kyle Walker-Peters.

Probably his last Chelsea trip as a Southampton player. Still, Walker-Peters must make this occasion memorable for the Saints while leading an inexperienced backline.

RWB - Yukinari Sugawara.

Favourite to start after a long time and must focus primarily on assisting the centre-backs.

LM - Kamaldeen Sulemana.

Dropping Sulemana near the midfield could help him receive more ball possession. Who knows, he can again produce a decisive moment today.

CM - Joe Aribo.

Maintains good chemistry with Sulemana and would immediately strengthen the midfield department.

CM - Mateus Fernandes.

Expected to support Aribo in orchestrating the attacking sequences.

RM - Tyler Dibling.

Agreed, he is out-of-form but remains Southampton's difference-maker nonetheless.