Giroud to replace Morata: Predicted Chelsea line-up to face Southampton

Olivier Giroud

Chelsea are still unbeaten in all competitions and face Southampton in their next game. The Blues beat Vidi in the Europa League in midweek but Premier League duty beckons on Sunday.

Maurizio Sarri rotated his squad for the midweek clash but should play most of the first-teamers on Sunday.

Chelsea lie a couple of points behind the Premier League leaders after a great start to the season. We should move up the table on Sunday as Manchester City face Liverpool later on.

This could be the chance for us to put the pressure on the pair and here is our predicted line-up for the Stamford Bridge side.

Predicted Chelsea XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Manager: Maurizio Sarri

Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK)

The Spaniard played against Vidi in midweek and should start against the Saints on Sunday.

Cesar Azpilicueta (RB)

The right-back hasn’t been at his best this season but should replace Davide Zappacosta in the starting XI on Sunday.

David Luiz (CB)

The Brazilian has been brilliant under Sarri and will be important as we look to stop the home side from scoring.

Antonio Rudiger

Antonio Rudiger (CB)

Rudiger has grown in confidence this season alongside Luiz. The German needs to have a good game and lead us to a win.

Marcos Alonso (LB)

The Spanish star was another player rested in our midweek win. Alonso hasn’t been great for us this season but he should start ahead of Emerson Palmieri.

Mateo Kovacic (CM)

Kovacic started against Vidi and the Real Madrid man has to be at his best at St. Mary’s on Sunday.

N’Golo Kante (CM)

The Frenchman has grown in his advanced role under our manager. His energy and pressing should help us dominate in the midfield.

Jorginho (CM)

The former Napoli midfielder is extremely important to the side and his passing will set the tempo for our play.

Eden Hazard (LW)

The best player in the Premier League, Hazard came off the bench in the win over Vidi and should start on Sunday.

Olivier Giroud (ST)

Alvaro Morata might have scored in the win over Vidi but it should be Giroud who starts against the Saints.

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Pedro (RW)

Pedro featured in our 1-0 win in the Europa League and could be in the starting XI ahead of Willian at St. Mary’s.