It’s an exciting time for Chelsea, with youngsters Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount and Fiyako Tomori having been called up for England this week.
But pundit Charlie Nicholas believes the young Blues could find the going tough at Southampton this weekend.
In his predictions for Sky Sports, former Arsenal striker Nicholas predicted a 1-1 draw.
He said: “This is another good test for Southampton, who were decent against Tottenham.
“Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham have been praised, and rightly so. Abraham has earned his first England call-up, rightly so too.
“Chelsea are sitting in seventh which is acceptable – it is tight at the moment. It will be a season full of ups and downs for the Blues and with lots of games coming up for their youngsters, it may just take its toll on occasions.”
While the demands on Chelsea’s young players have been tough, boss Frank Lampard has been boosted by the recent return of N’Golo Kante and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Kante is fit again after a hamstring problem and Hudson-Odoi set up the winner for Willian after coming on as a substitute against Lille in the Champions League this week.
Hudson-Odoi is now pushing for a starting spot against the Saints, while Reece James will be hoping to keep his place after playing in France.