Chelsea predicted lineup vs Southampton - Premier League

It may well be too early to label Chelsea as title contenders, but the Blues are enjoying themselves heading into the festive period and a kind run to end the calendar year means they've got a great chance of extending their unbeaten run.

Chelsea's last Premier League defeat arrived at Anfield on 20 October, with the Blues' 3-0 victory over Aston Villa meaning they now boast an identical record with second-placed Arsenal.

Enzo Maresca is proving himself at the highest level to be an adaptable coach who's not afraid to tinker based on the opposition. The Italian's structures in and out of possession have aided Chelsea's ascent up the table, and they'll be expected to overwhelm an undermanned Southampton on Wednesday.

Here's how the Blues could line up at St Mary's.

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

GK: Robert Sanchez - Sanchez has achieved some stability between the Chelsea posts and produced one of his better performances of the season in Sunday's triumph. He continues to operate as the club's number one.

RB: Malo Gusto - Maresca opted for Moises Caicedo as an inverted right-back on Sunday, but he could make a switch in midweek with Gusto coming back into the side. Reece James is sidelined.

CB: Tosin Adarabioyo - Wesley Fofana's injury has opened the door for Chelsea's reserve centre-back options, and we don't often see a pair of left-footed centre-backs work in tandem. Benoit Badiashile's inclusion is thus unlikely, with Tosin potentially being preferred.

CB: Levi Colwill - The England international has been a mainstay in the Premier League this term, but he'll have to get familiar with a new partner over the next month or so.

LB: Marc Cucurella - Cucurella has been a consistent performer under Maresca and is unlikely to relinquish his place in the side despite Renato Veiga showing some promise in Europe.

CM: Moises Caicedo - The brilliant Ecuadorian is an undroppable presence in Chelsea's midfield, and his versatility was highlighted on Sunday as he freed up Enzo Fernandez by inverting from full-back to join the pivot in midfield.

CM: Romeo Lavia - Lavia has developed a great partnership with Caicedo, and his inclusion means Fernandez is likely to miss out. The Argentine has suddenly found some good form and could be saved for Sunday's clash with Tottenham.

RM: Noni Madueke - There's likely to be rotation out wide given Chelsea's abundance of options. Madueke was used off the bench on Sunday having been a persistent starter beforehand.

AM: Cole Palmer - His boss has been keen to quieten talk surrounding a potential title tilt, and Palmer echoed that sentiment after he scored his first Premier League goal in over a month on Sunday.

LM: Joao Felix - Jadon Sancho impressed at the weekend and has a big role to play for the Blues this season, but his injury issues mean his minutes will have to be managed. Maresca has been more than happy to give Felix his fair share of minutes this season, but Cucurella's conservative role may force the playmaker to operate from a wider position than usual.

ST: Nicolas Jackson - How many strikers in the Premier League are currently performing at a higher level than Jackson? The do-it-all forward added to his goal tally against Villa, and he's now scored eight in the league this season. He's vastly improved in front of goal compared to year one.

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