Antonio Conte states his prediction for Chelsea v Southampton
The Chelsea manager warns his Blues squad that Southampton will prove difficult opponents on Saturday afternoon
Antonio Conte has warned his Chelsea team to be prepared for a difficult Premier League clash against Southampton on Saturday afternoon.
The Blues made a return to winning ways in the Premier League mid-week thanks to a resounding 3-1 victory over promoted side Huddersfield Town at John Smith’s Stadium.
Chelsea suffered a surprise 1-0 loss to Premier League strugglers West Ham United last weekend to prompt Conte to rule the defending champions out of the title race.
The west London side will welcome a Saints side low on confidence following a 4-1 loss to 2015 champions Leicester City at St Mary’s mid-week.
The Saints are winless in their last four Premier League games following two defeats and two stalemates to heap pressure on manager Mauricio Pellegrino.
Speaking at his pre-match media conference about Chelsea’s next Premier League opponents on Saturday afternoon, Conte said:
“Tomorrow will be very difficult. Southampton are a good team with a lot of good young players with a great future. They are a good team.”
Chelsea have won the Premier League title in two of the past three seasons to dominate the English top flight under Jose Mourinho and then Conte.
The Blues signed six players in the summer transfer window to prepare their squad for a return to the Champions League.
However, the west London side have appeared to struggle with the rigours of competing on four different fronts this term.
