Chelsea set to edge out Southampton in a close encounter

Chelsea have scored in the first half in five of their six home matches this season and should be backed to lead 1-0 at half-time at odds of 5/2.

That has been the 45 minute scoreline at Stamford Bridge in four of their games in all competitions this season.

Southampton are having a stellar season under boss Mauricio Pochettino and the Argentinian coach has already masterminded away wins at West Brom and Liverpool this season.

Both were one-nil wins and with draws also recorded at Manchester United and Stoke, it’s clear that the visitors are not overawed by any away game.

They have drawn two of their last four games at Stamford Bridge and only went down by one goal in one of the other matches so this should be a tight game.

The draw is 3/1, whilst Southampton’s leading scorer Rickie Lambert is 10/3 to score at anytime.

Bet on Chelsea to be one-nil up at half-time at 5/2

The newly-capped England striker has four to his name, just one more than fellow Three Lions Jay Rodriguez and Adam Lallana.

However Lambert has scored in the last two games between these two sides and looks the bigger threat.

Southampton’s defence is mean – just seven goals conceded in 12 games – so don’t expect this game to emulate the FA Cup clash between these teams last season which Chelsea won 5-1.

Under 2.5 goals is Evens.

Bet on under 2.5 goals at Evens

Chelsea come into this match on the back of a very lacklustre Champions League defeat at Basle, however they had already qualified for the next stage.

Jose Mourinho’s side have only played one game at home against a top-half team this season and they won that contest against Man City by two goals to one.