Chelsea fans’ preferred lineup against Southampton: 3-4-3 stays, James, Pulisic return

The traditional Boxing Day fixture sees Chelsea host a struggling Southampton side at Stamford Bridge. The Saints have been hot and cold this season as they currently sit just above the relegation zone. Given our result against Bournemouth a few weeks ago (who sat in the same position back then) and Ralph Hasenhüttl’s ability to cause an upset, the Blues will have to be on our toes.

THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE

After its success against Spurs, the WAGNH community’s keen to continue with the 3-4-3, preferring it to both the 4-2-3-1 (33%) and the 4-3-3 (24%).

At centre back, Andreas Christensen (14%) is the one to miss out as the trio from Sunday keeping their places. There’s change at the two wing-back positions however, with Reece James getting the nod over a possibly injured César Azpilicueta (11%%) while Marcos Alonso just about edges out Emerson (46%).

Due to Mateo Kovačić’s suspension, the midfield pairing of Jorginho and N’golo Kanté isn’t surprising. Ross Barkley (8%) remains nothing more than a ghost.

The battle for the spots just behind the clearly favoured Tammy Abraham — with Michy Batshuayi receiving just 8% and Olivier Giroud just 2% — was very tight. Star performer Willian beats out Mason Mount (%) by the narrowest of margins, with Callum Hudson-Odoi collecting a respectable 35% as well.

3-4-3 (45%)
Arrizabalaga (98%) | Tomori (80%), Zouma (58%), Rüdiger (94%) | Alonso (47%), Kanté (98%), Jorginho (96%), James (91%) | Pulisic (77%), Abraham (91%), Willian (71%)

MY PREFERRED LINEUP

I’m not necessarily convinced that the 3-4-3 is generally the way to go despite the great result at the weekend. So, I went with the 4-3-3 for now, with most of the community’s preferred options, but with Zouma and Alonso missing out in due to the formation.

4-3-3
Arrizabalaga | Azpilicueta, Tomori, Rüdiger, James | Mount, Jorginho, Kanté | Willian, Abraham, Pulisic

COME ON, YOU BLUES!!!