
Image credits: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
The upcoming Premier League match between Chelsea and Southampton is not expected to be a thrilling encounter, given the Blues' recent struggles and the Saints' precarious position at the bottom of the table. Chelsea has only managed two wins in their last ten matches, while Southampton is in danger of surpassing Derby County's record as the worst-ever Premier League team, requiring just three more points from their remaining 12 games to avoid this unwanted accolade.
However, the match may still offer some excitement, particularly with the announcement that Tom Bramall will be refereeing the clash at Stamford Bridge. Bramall is a relatively unknown referee in the Premier League, having only taken charge of five matches in the top flight this season and 11 last year. He has never officiated a Chelsea match before and has only refereed one game involving a "big six" team, which was Liverpool's 3-1 win over Bournemouth in August 2023. Bramall's refereeing style is characterized by a high number of cards, averaging nearly four per game this season, which could lead to an interesting and potentially eventful match.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca will be looking to get his team back to winning ways, but he will have to do so without a recognized striker, as Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu are still injured. Maresca has experimented with different players in the striker role, including Christopher Nkunku and Cole Palmer, but it was Pedro Neto who started up front in the defeat to Aston Villa. Neto's pace and movement were impressive, and he set up Enzo Fernandez's opening goal, making him a potential option to start against Southampton. The Blues will be hoping to capitalize on the Saints' struggles and get back to winning ways, with two favorable fixtures in a row providing a great opportunity for them to turnaround their fortunes and climb up the table.
The match against Southampton will be a crucial test for Chelsea, and the team will need to be at their best to secure a win. The Blues have a number of talented players, including Enzo Fernandez and Reece James, who will be looking to make an impact on the game. The Saints, on the other hand, will be fighting to avoid relegation and will be desperate to get a positive result. The match is expected to be a closely contested encounter, with both teams giving it their all to achieve their respective goals.
Here are the match details:
- Match: Chelsea vs Southampton
- Competition: Premier League
- Date: Tuesday
- Time: [insert time]
- Venue: Stamford Bridge
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