Southampton v Chelsea preview

By foxsports
Published

Southampton are sweating on the fitness of key trio Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw and Jos Hooiveld ahead of their home date with Chelsea, with all three nursing knocks.

They will be assessed ahead of the St Mary's clash, although manager Mauricio Pochettino hopes they will all be fit to feature.

Vegard Forren could make his Saints debut, having started Norway's 2014 World Cup qualifier against Albania.

Rafa Benitez may decide to shuffle his pack as Chelsea enter a crucial run of fixtures - with the Blues set to take in four games in nine days.

Fernando Torres was among those able to take a much-needed rest during the recent break from club commitments, and the Spaniard could be deployed as a lone frontman against the Saints.

Gary Cahill was forced to sit out a 2014 World Cup qualifying double-header with England with a knee problem, while Brazilian midfielder Ramires has picked up a thigh complaint, and both men will be assessed closer to kick-off.