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5 Key Matchups For Southampton vs. Chelsea

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5 Key Matchups For Southampton vs. Chelsea

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho
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Chelsea have been the Premier League's outstanding team so far this season but Manchester City have been chasing the leaders hard in recent weeks. Jose Mourinho and his team now face a Southampton side who have regrouped in recent games after a dodgy patch of both performances and results. A win is essential for Chelsea to maintain their lead atop the EPL table and here are five key matchups for the leaders' game against the high flying Saints.

5. Eden Hazard vs. Nathaniel Clyne

Eden Hazard playing for Chelsea
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5. Eden Hazard vs. Nathaniel Clyne

Eden Hazard playing for Chelsea
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Nathaniel Clyne will have one of his toughest assignments of the season in Week 19 when he attempts to shackle Chelsea's Eden Hazard. Hazard has been a standout player in the EPL so far this season, and a matchup against the Belgian will provide the acid test for the talented 23 year old.

4. Steven Davis vs. Nemanja Matic

Steven Davis playing for Southampton against Manchester United
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4. Steven Davis vs. Nemanja Matic

Steven Davis playing for Southampton against Manchester United
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Steven Davis will be attempting to pull the strings in the Southampton midfield when the Saints take on Chelsea. Nemanja Matic will be the man opposite him in the Chelsea midfield who will be aiming to prevent Davis from doing exactly that. Matic has been rightly lauded for his performances this season and the protection that he offers the Chelsea defense, and the Serb will once again need to be his usual imposing self in this game.

3. Diego Costa vs. Jose Fonte

Diego Costa celebrates scoring a goal
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3. Diego Costa vs. Jose Fonte

Diego Costa celebrates scoring a goal
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Diego Costa has been in somewhat of a lull by his standards recently, with only two goals for Chelsea in his last seven games in all competitions. However, it is only a matter of time before the striker gets back to the form that he showcased earlier in the season, which is why Jose Fonte needs to be at his best when he comes up against the physical Costa in this matchup.

2. Graziano Pelle vs. John Terry

Southampton striker Graziano Pelle
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2. Graziano Pelle vs. John Terry

Southampton striker Graziano Pelle
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John Terry has marshaled the Chelsea defense perfectly this season, and Graziano Pelle will now pose another challenge for Terry and his teammates to attempt to shut out. Pelle has had a good first season in the Premier League so far, but coming up against a stern Chelsea defense will prove his sternest test to date.

1. Cesc Fabregas vs. Morgan Schneiderlin

Cesc Fabregas playing Chelsea
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1. Cesc Fabregas vs. Morgan Schneiderlin

Cesc Fabregas playing Chelsea
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Cesc Fabregas is the conductor of the Chelsea team. The Spaniard controls and dictates the play from the midfield, and it is imperative that any opposing team try to starve Fabregas of the ball as much as possible. Morgan Schneiderlin is a quality operator in the Southampton midfield also, and the matchup between the Frenchman and Fabregas will prove to be one of the standout -- and most important -- midfield matchups of the EPL season.

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