4-3-3: Morata Axed As Sarri Makes 8 Changes | Expected Chelsea Line-Up vs Southampton

Chelsea will be looking to close in on the top two with a win when they take on Southampton at St Mary’s on Sunday afternoon. Here is the side I think Maurizio Sarri will select for the game:

Goalkeeper: Kepa Arrizabalaga was solid once again between the sticks during Chelsea’s narrow Europa League win over Vidi on Thursday night so he will keep his place on Sunday with Willy Caballero once again on the bench.

Defence: Sarri will make changes to his defence with several key players recalled after being rested in midweek. Cesar Azpilicueta is expected to come back in with Davide Zappacosta making way while Marcos Alonso will replace Emerson Palmeiri at left-back.

Gary Cahill and Andreas Christensen helped the Blues keep a clean sheet against Vidi but they are still expected to drop out with David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger recalled in the middle of defence this weekend.

Midfield: We should see things freshened up in midfield, too. Cesc Fabregas made a successful return to the starting eleven on Thursday night but the Spaniard is set to drop to the bench with Jorginho coming back in after being given a breather in the Europa League.

N’Golo Kante will also come back in to the side following his well-earned rest so Ruben Loftus-Cheek will make way after not really taking his chance to shine against Vidi. Mateo Kovacic could be one of the few to retain his place in the side.

Attack: Sarri is certain to recall Eden Hazard after he started from the bench in the Europa League last night. The Belgian international was introduced early in the second half and was a threat so Sarri will be hoping Hazard continues his fine form on Sunday.

Pedro made his return from a shoulder injury last night but wasn’t at his best so Willian could keep his place with the Spaniard dropping to the bench against Southampton.

Alvaro Morata had a frustrating time in front of goal against Vidi as he missed a number of chances but the former Real Madrid hitman kept plugging away and eventually found the winner. However, I still think we’ll see Morata dropped to the bench with Olivier Giroud coming in up front.

Here is how we think Chelsea will line-up: