José Mourinho's Chelsea are having a terrible start to the season, with rumors of further dressing room rows this week only adding fuel to the raging fire at Stamford Bridge. Their Champions League defeat to Porto in midweek followed a terrible draw away at one of the Premier League's worst sides, Newcastle United, and has left the Blues down in 14th place after seven rounds. It already looks impossible for Mourinho's men to defend their Premier League crown, and now a top-four finish may well be the best they can hope for.
Chelsea vs. Southampton 2015 live stream: Start time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Southampton will be looking to beat struggling Chelsea when the sides meet at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images
As for Southampton, their season so far has been a rather mixed bag, though they're still a point better than Chelsea. They recorded an impressive 3-1 win at home to Swansea City last time out, and Ronald Koeman will be hoping his side are finally clicking into gear after a shaky start. They're one of the better middling teams in the Premier League, and they'll be hoping to make another run for Europa League qualification this season -- especially after the disappointment of being eliminated in the qualifying rounds in August.
Key matchup: Dušan Tadić vs. Branislav Ivanović
This game could be won and lost in the all-Serbian battle on Southampton's left flank, where winger Dušan Tadić could give his compatriot Branislav Ivanović nightmares. The Chelsea fullback has endured a difficult start to the season, but the lack of potential replacements means Mourinho has been forced to stick with the veteran. Against Tadić, who notably caused big problems for Manchester United's right back Matteo Darmian when the sides met recently, things might get ugly for Ivanović.
Upset potential: High
In simple terms, Chelsea are playing poorly and morale is presumably low -- especially if rumors of a bust-up between captain John Terry and manager Mourinho are true. By contrast, Southampton should be looking up after their solid win over Swansea last weekend, and have sufficient organizational and tactical nous to cause big problems for any team -- let alone one that looks to be in as poor health as Chelsea. They'll certainly be fancying their chances for a victory.
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: Thibaut Courtois (knee), Diego Costa (suspended). In doubt: None.
Southampton injuries and suspensions
Out: Fraser Forster, Florin Gardoș (knee). In doubt: None.
Chelsea will be without injured goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and suspended striker Diego Costa. Meanwhile, Southampton’s only injuries are both long-term: goalkeeper Fraser Forster and defender Florin Gardoș, who have serious knee problems.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET, 5:30 p.m. local
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
TV: NBC (U.S. -- English), NBC Universo (U.S. -- Spanish), Sportsnet regional networks (Canada), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S. - English), NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), Sky Go (U.K.)
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