“We’ve analyzed the situation, and adjustments are necessary to achieve the results we all expect. I’m ready to switch things up for the better.” — Enzo Maresca is set to make significant changes to Chelsea’s lineup ahead of their trip to Southampton, aiming to shake things up and find a winning formula.

Chelsea continue their impressive Premier League journey with a midweek showdown against Southampton at Saint Mary’s Stadium on Wednesday night.

Fresh from a commanding 3-0 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday, the Blues head to the south coast to face a struggling Southampton side currently rooted at the bottom of the table.

With little recovery time following their dominant performance, manager Enzo Maresca is expected to make several changes for his first midweek Premier League fixture of the season.

While Maresca has frequently rotated his squad in the Europa Conference League, the Premier League remains Chelsea’s primary focus. Injuries and player fitness will likely dictate his selection against Southampton.

Wesley Fofana’s hamstring injury, sustained against Villa, has sidelined him for several weeks. This opens the door for Benoit Badiashile to partner Levi Colwill in central defense. Malo Gusto may also return to the starting XI, allowing Moises Caicedo to move back into his preferred midfield position after filling in at right-back against Villa.

Romeo Lavia, who played 86 minutes in the previous game, might be given a rest, making way for Caicedo’s return to the middle of the park.

In attack, Noni Madueke could replace Pedro Neto, while Joao Felix might slot into Jadon Sancho’s position on the left wing. Cole Palmer, fresh off a man-of-the-match performance against Villa, is likely to retain his spot.

The most intriguing change could come in the striker position. Christopher Nkunku, Chelsea’s leading scorer, might make his first Premier League start of the season, taking over from Nicolas Jackson, who found the net in Sunday’s victory.

Predicted Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1):
Robert Sanchez; Marc Cucurella, Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, Malo Gusto; Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez; Joao Felix, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke; Christopher Nkunku.