Chelsea head into their Boxing Day encounter with Southampton having established a four-point gap between themselves and fifth-placed Sheffield United.

However, they face a Saints side who have won three of their last five matches, moving them three points clear of the relegation zone.

Match preview

While Frank Lampard would have been excited ahead of his first North London derby as a manager, there would have also been a certain degree of apprehension ahead of a showdown against former boss and friend Jose Mourinho.

However, despite Spurs heading into the contest in good form at their recently-built stadium, a change in system worked wonders for the Blues, who fully deserved their 2-0 victory over their fierce rivals.

As a result of his two goals, Willian made the headlines, but this was a team performance from Chelsea at a time when doubts were beginning to creep in regarding their development.

The triumph came with the likes of Jorginho and Christian Pulisic sitting on the substitutes' bench, further highlighting that Lampard is prepared to make opinion-dividing calls for the biggest matches.

Lampard's main task now is to ensure that Chelsea become more ruthless in the final third - something which has led to home defeats against West Ham United and Bournemouth in recent weeks.

Despite Tammy Abraham netting goals on a regular basis, the West Londoners failed to net in either contest, which ultimately led to Lampard being prepared to wield the axe at the weekend.

Perhaps the most pivotal decision against Spurs was deploying Mason Mount in a role where he constantly harassed the back four, with the element of surprise perhaps playing hugely in Chelsea's favour in a game of that magnitude.

While the academy graduate will not fulfil that responsibility in every outing, it is another string to his bow which highlights his importance to the team.

Mount's Portsmouth roots will make him a target for Saints supporters at the weekend, but the travelling faithful will be at Stamford Bridge expecting another encouraging performance.

After the narrow defeats to Newcastle United and West Ham, Ralph Hasenhuttl found himself under pressure ahead of the trip to Aston Villa, aware that another setback would leave the Saints in the relegation zone.

However, while Danny Ings maintained his rich vein of form with a double in the 3-1 win, Hasenhuttl would have been equally impressed with his defence delivering one of their most effective performances of the season when it really mattered.

Only a superb individual goal from Jack Grealish denied them a deserved shutout, but Hasenhuttl will be more than satisfied having now only conceded six goals from their last five games.

For the first time in a couple of months, the south coast outfit can begin to look ahead rather than over their shoulders, especially with a home double-header to follow the trip to England's capital.

That said, Southampton's best efforts have come on the road, with the success at Villa taking their away total to 11 points from nine matches, the eighth-best return in this season's top flight.

That would have been even better had Southampton not conceded a last-gasp goal at Arsenal, and it highlights that this will be far from a walkover for Chelsea.

While Ings will naturally provide the biggest threat, James Ward-Prowse will also feel that he can make an impact with their hosts having sometimes had issues with defending set pieces this season.

Chelsea Premier League form: LLWLLW
Chelsea form (all competitions): LWLWLW

Southampton Premier League form: DWWLLW

Team News

With Mateo Kovacic serving a one-match ban, Jorginho will be recalled to the centre of midfield.

The inclusion of the Italian could be one of a number of alterations as Lampard looks to manage his squad ahead of Sunday's visit to Arsenal.

Reece James, Emerson Palmieri and Pulisic could also start, as could Michy Batshuayi if Tammy Abraham is still struggling with a calf problem.

As for Southampton, Hasenhuttl could select the same first XI, providing that he is prepared to play two in attack.

Che Adams or Sofiane Boufal may get the nod ahead of Shane Long if Hasenhuttl switches to five in midfield.

Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Arrizabalaga; James, Rudiger, Zouma, Palmieri; Kante, Jorginho; Willian, Mount, Pulisic; Abraham

Southampton possible starting lineup:
McCarthy; Soares, Stephens, Bednarek, Bertrand; Armstrong, Ward-Prowse, Hojbjerg, Redmond; Long, Ings

Head To Head

Thursday's meeting will represent the 107th competitive fixture between the clubs, with Chelsea recording 46 wins in comparison to 30 victories for Southampton.

However, the last nine outings have been largely one-sided with the West Londoners recording eight triumphs, with 21 goals being scored in the process.

Nevertheless, Southampton did manage to secure a goalless draw in last season's corresponding game on January 2.

We say: Chelsea 1-1 Southampton

Although Chelsea are favourites on paper, we cannot help but look to their previous struggles at Stamford Bridge this season. However, while Southampton are well suited to playing on the counter-attack away from home, the Blues should do enough to earn a share of the spoils.