Thomas Tuchel’s bid for further silverware at Chelsea continues in the EFL Cup on Tuesday as Stamford Bridge plays host to Southampton in the last 16. Both sides had to come through penalty shootouts in the third round, the Saints winning at Sheffield United as Kepa Arrizabalaga was his side’s hero in a win over Aston Villa.
Tuchel is expected to rotate his squad as he battles for success on multiple fronts whilst avoiding any further injuries to his beleaguered frontline. Here is how you can watch the match and what you need to know:
Viewing information
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 26 | Time: 2:45 p.m. ET
Location: Stamford Bridge — London
TV and live stream: ESPN+
Odds: Chelsea -250; Draw +320; Southampton +650 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Storylines
Chelsea: With numbers tight what risks is Tuchel prepared to take with what is left of his frontline? Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner picked up injuries in the Champions League win over Malmo whilst Christian Pulisic has suffered several setbacks on his recovery from an ankle injury. It leaves only the quartet of Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Hakim Ziyech available as natural options for the front three he chooses to use. The first three of them played against Norwich on Saturday and will likely be needed for the trip to Newcastle next week.
Southampton: The Blues are not the only side whose attacking options will be limited at Stamford Bridge. Due to the terms of his loan Armando Broja will not be able to pick up from where he left off after his excellent goal against Burnley at the weekend. Moi Elyounoussi will also require a minor operation on his injured hand.
“He will have his operation on Monday,” said Ralph Hasenhuttl. “He needs to have it [to recover]. He will miss the Chelsea game, but this is normal. He needs to have two or three days’ rest before he can train again.”
Prediction
This may be harder for a Chelsea side that is unlikely to be at full strength but they ought to have the quality to get the job done. PICK: Chelsea 2 Southampton 0