By hook or by crook, Chelsea got over the line against Tottenham in the FA Cup semi-final and will now contest Arsenal in an attempt to win the double. Without Gary Cahill and, mostly, Diego Costa and Eden Hazard, who were either ill, rested or a bit of both, they saw off the challenge of a dominant Spurs side thanks to a wonder goal from Nemanja Matic and the archetypal forward’s tackle from Son Heung-Min which gave away a penalty.
Now the Blues must switch on and do the job at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, where three points really are up for the taking. Southampton have given us ample clues of late as to how this match will pan out, beating Watford, Crystal Palace and West Brom while losing to Tottenham and Manchester City. The conclusion? They struggle against the division’s better outfits.
Assuming Cahill, Costa and Hazard are over their respective ailments, Chelsea will be at full strength and with the Premier League title in their sights as the campaign winds to a close, we don’t envisage them making a mistake here in front of their own fans. The fact that they have conceded at least once in each of their last ten league outings will be of concern, though.
Recommended Bet
Chelsea to Win & Both Teams to Score (12/5 with William Hill)
