Morgan Schneiderlin
Morgan Schneiderlin's return from injury has helped Southampton re-discover their early season form, which will be crucial when Chelsea play away on Sunday Getty Images/Julian Finney

Southampton welcome Chelsea to the St Mary's Stadium for a Premier League clash on Sunday.

Where to watch live

Kick-off is set for 2pm GMT. Live TV coverage is available on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 1 HD. Catch the highlights of the game on Match of the Day on BBC One and BBC One HD at 11pm GMT.

Overview

Southampton welcome league leaders Chelsea to the St Mary's Stadium for their second fixture in two days. This is a crucial clash for both teams, as Chelsea look to maintain their three point lead at the head of the table and Southampton will want to end the year in the top four of the Premier League.

The Saints come into this match following a convincing victory over Crystal Palace on Boxing Day, following which Eagles boss Neil Warnock was shown the door, making him the first managerial casualty of the season.

Ronald Koeman's side, who made a fantastic start to the season, had a sudden blip and lost four matches in a row, but in the last two games they seem to have regained form and could give Chelsea a good run for the three points.

The return of Morgan Schneiderlin to the team has played a huge part in Southampton regaining their early season form. The manager has a few injury problems, but will have most of his first-choice XI available for the visit of the Blues.

Jose Mourinho
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho will be keen to get the better of his former Barcelona colleague Ronald Koeman when the Blues face Southampton Reuters

Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was pleased with his team following their easy win over West Ham United on Boxing Day. The Blues looked convincing against yet another form team in the league and their goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was hardly troubled until the final five minutes of the game.

The manager will be aware that Southampton can cause an upset and will be wary against his former Barcelona colleague as Chelsea look to maintain the three-point lead they have over title rivals Manchester City at the top of the table.

Stats of the match: Chelsea have scored in each of their last nine league trips to Southampton.

What managers say

Ronald Koeman: "We know that Jose is always one step in front of everybody. We respect our opponent Chelsea – and they have fantastic ­football players – but it's 11 against 11 and we try to do everything to win that game."

Jose Mourinho: "The players are human, like the Southampton players are human and it will be very difficult for us and for them, but we have to do it and before the West Ham match I had the same feeling I have before every Boxing Day -- so proud. We get the salaries we get because people are in love with the game and if people want football, we must give them football so we are so happy to do it."

Betting odds (888Sport.com)

  • Southampton to win: 18/5
  • Chelsea to win: 9/11
  • Draw: 45/17

Team news

Southampton

Injured: Cork (ankle), Rodriguez, Gallagher (both knee), Bertrand (ineligible).

Doubtful: N/A

Suspended: N/A

Possible XI: Forster; Alderweireld, Fonte, Yoshida; Clyne, Davis, Schneiderlin, Wanyama, Targett; Long, Pelle.

Chelsea

Injured: N/A

Doubtful: N/A

Suspended: N/A

Possible XI: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Luis; Mikel, Matic; Oscar, Fabregas, Schurrle; Costa.

Chelsea FC Jose Mourinho