Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has admitted that his side must "respect" Southampton after failing to beat the Saints last season.
The two fixtures held at St Mary's and Stamford Bridge ended in 1-1 draws, and Mourinho has acknowledged that Saturday's opponents will provide them with a difficult match.
The 52-year-old told reporters: "They are a good team. A team that last season we couldn't beat. We know why [at Southampton] we couldn't win.
"The match at home we had unbelievable dominance but we respect them. For sure, they are going to give us a difficult match."
Southampton have earned one more point than Chelsea during their opening seven games of the season.