Afternoon all! Happy New Year! What will 2014 bring in the Premier League? Hopefully more drama and more twists and turns. The big matches just keep coming for Chelsea as the Blues visit Southampton this afternoon. The home side have won just one of their last eight in the league, but have been strong on their own patch this season.

As mentioned, the two sides have already met in the league this season. That contest took place just one month ago and it was Chelsea that recovered from 1-0 down to win 3-1. However, the corresponding match in this stadium last season ended in a 2-1 home win. That said, Chelsea did win 5-1 at St Mary’s in a FA Cup clash last January.

A sensational start to the campaign left Southampton in the top four, but results have just dipped in the last month or so. As it stands, they have won seven of their 19 matches, drawing six and losing six. They are comfortably in the top half of the table, but have fallen 10 points off fourth position, which is currently occupied by Everton.

They had a mixed Christmas period after losing to Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane, beating Cardiff City in Wales and losing at Everton on Sunday. However, the Saints have been beaten just twice on their own patch this season, conceding just nine times in their nine home league games. Such form will give them confidence as they welcome Jose Mourinho’s side.

BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Gaston Ramirez starts for Southampton this afternoon, while there is also a place in the XI for Morgan Schneiderlin, with the pair replacing James Ward-Prowse and Rickie Lambert. Chelsea, meanwhile, recall Ashley Cole, Andre Schurrle, Juan Mata and Fernando Torres. Full teams to follow.

TEAMS:

SOUTHAMPTON: K Davis; Chambers, Lovren, Fonte, Shaw; Cork, Schneiderlin, S. Davis; Lallana, Rodriguez, Ramirez

CHELSEA: Cech; Azpilicueta, Cahill, Terry, Cole; Mikel, Ramires; Schurrle, Mata, Hazard; Torres

So there we have it. Ramirez’s goal against Everton earns him a spot in the Saints side. Youngsters Callum Chambers and Luke Shaw, meanwhile, start in the full-back positions. Nathanial Clyne is therefore resigned to the bench alongside Lambert. Chelsea leave Oscar, Willian and Samuel Eto’o on their bench, but there is no Frank Lampard in the 18. David Luiz, meanwhile, is suspended.

Here’s a quick word from Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino, who has seen his side win just one of their last eight league games. He told reporters at a press conference: “It's clear that Chelsea are a top side, a great team. They have great, talented players. We learned a lot from that game (at Chelsea). It was a very competitive game and it's going to be another competitive game against them this time around. There are many factors that happened during that game to balance the end result of the game. We know them well and we’re more than aware that we’re going to be facing a very tough team."

Southampton’s form might have dipped in recent weeks, but they still boast an incredible defensive record at this stage of the season. The Saints have conceded just 20 times in their 19 matches thus far, keeping seven clean sheets in the process. To put that into context, Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool have all conceded more after 19 games.

Down the other end, they have scored 26 times, which is some way off the teams at the top of the table. Pablo Osvaldo and Rickie Lambert had been earmarked as the goal-getters this season, but it has been England international Jay Rodriguez that has impressed, with the former Burnley forward finding the back of the net eight times in the league.

Should Southampton lose this afternoon, it will be the first time that they have suffered back-to-back home defeats under Pochettino. Chelsea will certainly gain confidence from their head-to-head record against the Saints, meanwhile, with the Blues winning six of their last eight league and cup matches with the former Championship outfit.

Chelsea, as it stands, currently sit third in the Premier League table on 40 points. They have won 12 of their 19 league games this season, drawing four times and losing three. Their performances have been widely criticised this season, but there is something ominous about a Jose Mourinho side so close to the top of the table at this stage of the campaign.

Much of their success has been built on an incredible home record. The Blues have won nine and drawn one of their 10 games at Stamford Bridge, scoring 22 times and conceding just eight in the process. It has been a different story on the road, however, with three wins, three draws and three defeats.

That said, Sunday’s 2-1 win over Liverpool was their third win in their last four league matches. Recent home wins over Crystal Palace and Swansea City have been far from impressive, but the former Premier League winners continue to pick up points at this stage of the season. A goalless draw at Arsenal on December 23 earned them few admirers, but it is a results business.

Incredibly, no striker has scored an away league goal for Chelsea in 2013. Fernando Torres was the last centre-forward to score on the road against Sunderland in December 2012. Eden Hazard, meanwhile, has scored more league goals (eight) than the combined total of Samuel Eto’o, Torres and Demba Ba, who have managed just six goals between them.

The Blues shipped a number of goals in the early stages of the season, but have tightened the ship in recent weeks. Only Arsenal and Everton (both 18) have conceded fewer league goals than Chelsea at this stage of the season, while they have kept six clean sheets in the process. John Terry, after a shaky start, appears to have found his form once more.

Down the other end, they have netted 35 times. That is three more than Manchester United, but considerably less than Liverpool and Manchester City, who both have a wealth of striking talent. It is widely expected that Mourinho will move for a striker in January, but the likes of Radamel Falcao, Wayne Rooney and Robert Lewandowski are surely out of reach.

Saints boss Pochettino has previous with Mourinho having faced the Portuguese four times during his time in Spain. However, Pochettino’s Espanyol side were beaten on each occasion by Real Madrid. Recent statistics, meanwhile, suggest that the first goal might not be all-important this afternoon. Chelsea have won four of their seven league games in which they have conceded the opening goal this season, collecting 13 points in the process.

Here’s a word from Chelsea skipper John Terry prior to the match. He told his side’s official website: “It's going to be tough because they're very good at home and it proved a difficult game here (Stamford Bridge) when they scored pretty early. They are a good footballing side, very much like Liverpool, who try and play out from the back so we're expecting a tough game."

PREDICTION: Three points for Chelsea this afternoon could move them into second depending on other results, but Southampton will have something to say about that. They have been better than their recent results have shown and I am backing them secure a share of the spoils this afternoon. My score prediction is 2-2 at St Mary's.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. It is a stormy afternoon on the South Coast, which should add to the atmosphere. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. The home side get the action underway in Southampton. Let's hope for a cracker on New Year's Day.

It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this afternoon, which is not much of a surprise. Early half-chance for Chelsea as Torres collects a loose pass outside the box before driving into the box, but his cross is hooked clear by Lovren. Some suspect defending from the Saints in the opening couple of minutes.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Chelsea to take the lead as a mistake in the middle of the park allows Torres to advance into the Southampton box, but Fonte is across to make a fine challenge at the vital moment. The home side have been extremely nervy in defence thus far. One-way traffic with four minutes on the clock.

Sensational start from Torres as the Spanish international drives past two defenders before rolling a low cross into the box, but Lovren is across to make the clearance. The resulting corner is delivered by Mata, but Schurrle can only drive one wide of the post. Southampton simply cannot get out of their own half as the constant pressure continues from the Blues.

Stoppage in play in the last minute or two as Lovren is caught in the face by his fellow centre-back Fonte during an accidental collision. It looked a really nasty one in the middle of the box. Yoshida would be the obvious replacement for the Saints. It is unclear whether he will be able to continue at this particular moment of proceedings.

Good news - Lovren has returned to his feet and is fit to continue. It remains to be seen whether he lasts the entire match due to the nature of the injury. Just a few signs that Southampton are starting to find their feet as they enjoy a period of possession in the middle of the park. However, they are yet to threaten in the opening 10 minutes of football.

England manager Roy Hodgson is present in the crowd this afternoon, with a number of Englishman on display. We have seen little from the likes of Shaw, Lallana and Rodriguez, however, who all have a chance of making the squad for the World Cup. Chelsea continue to dominate the possession and pick up a free kick in the middle of the park when Cork fells Hazard.

The rain is really pouring on the South Coast at the moment as Chelsea continue to enjoy possession of the ball. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital in this type of contest. Ramires almost opens the scoring as he charges through the Southampton defence, but Davis is out to clear at the vital moment.

Scrappy, untidy contest in the last couple of moments with the weather not helping the tempo in the middle of the park. It is the type of match that could be decided by a scrappy goal. The referee has been more involved than he would have liked, meanwhile, as the challenges continue to arrive from both sides. Still goalless with 17 minutes on the clock at St Mary's.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Lallana finds some space inside the Chelsea box, but his low effort is blocked by Cole. Brilliant work from the Southampton attacker, but Cole must be credited for his defensive work. Much better from the Saints.

Southampton continue to force the issue with a series of crosses into the Chelsea box, but Rodriguez has been unable to make decisive contact inside the area. Chambers and Shaw, meanwhile, continue to advance into attacking areas. Best spell of the match for the home side, with Cork and Ramirez starting to see more of the ball in the middle of the park.

CHANCE! Again it is wonderful work from Torres as the Chelsea forward drives past two defenders before curling one towards the top corner, but his effort was always moving high of the target. Plenty of positive signs from the Spaniard in the opening 22 minutes of football.

Neither side is too interested in defending at the moment as both continue to commit players in the final third. A late challenge from Ramirez hands Chelsea the chance to threaten from a free kick, but Mata's delivery is headed clear by Fonte. The home side attempt to break with Lallana, but Ramires is across to quell the danger at the vital moment.

Another half-chance for Chelsea as Mata takes the ball away from Shaw before releasing Torres, but the striker is surrounded by two defenders. The home side have possession once more moments later as the end-to-end period continues, but the move breaks down in the final third. Still goalless with 26 minutes on the clock at St Mary's.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Rodriguez to open the scoring as Ramirez finds the Saints striker with a fine pass, but the England international cannot control inside the area and Cole is across to clear. The home side are starting to open up this Chelsea defence.

The opportunities continue to arrive, this time for Chelsea, as Hazard combines with Mata on the edge of the Southampton box, but Davis is quick off his line to quell the danger. Lallana has another half-chance down the other end, but once more his effort is blocked by two defenders. The England international could have had a brace inside 29 minutes.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with both sides struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. It might be goalless, but that is not a reflection of what we have seen. Ramirez strikes one from outside the box after good work from Lallana, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar.

CHANCE! Another opportunity for the home side as Lallana's whipped cross finds Lovren at the far post, but his effort is wide of the post from close range. How on earth is this match still goalless? Not too much from Chelsea in the last five minutes or so as Southampton continue to force the issue.

The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments as the challenges continue to arrive from both sides. Southampton are certainly on top, however, as Chelsea continue to struggle to keep possession of the ball. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining in this Premier League contest. Still goalless.

Opportunity for Chelsea this time as Ramires drives past three defenders before attempting to curl one into the top corner, but it is relatively simple for Davis, who pushes it over the crossbar. The resulting corner is delivered by Mata, but the danger is cleared. Strange atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment with 38 minutes on the clock.

Classy football from Chelsea in a tight space as Hazard combines with Mata before rolling a low cross into the box, but Lovren is on hand to clear the danger. Jose Mourinho does not seem too happy with what he has seen, however, as he continues to parade the touchline. Little over five minutes of football remaining in what has been a goalless, but entertaining half thus far.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Chelsea as Ramires's whipped cross falls to Hazard inside the area, but the Belgian international is just crowded out at the vital moment. Lallana had a similar opportunity down the other end earlier in the match. The rain continues to pour in the latter stages of the first period.

I suspect that there will be a couple of minutes of injury time due to the injury suffered by Lovren in the early stages. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last minute or two with both defences remaining solid thus far. It is not difficult to see why Southampton have such a strong defensive record at this stage of the campaign.

Half-chance on the counter for Chelsea as Ramires finds Torres outside the box, but the Spaniard's cross is straight into the arms of Davis. The home side threaten with a Ramirez corner down the other end, but Cech manages to palm clear at the vital moment. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes and we are indeed into the second of those.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. Despite the scoreline, it has been an entertaining 45 minutes of football. Both sides have had good opportunities, but Southampton will feel that they have done enough to deserve to be leading at this stage of proceedings.

STATISTICS: Southampton have had more of the possession with 56%, while they have managed six attempts to Chelsea's seven. Torres has been the bright spark for the Blues, but has too often picked the wrong ball in the final third. Lallana, meanwhile, has impressed alongside Ramirez for the Saints. Neither manager will be too disappointed with what they have seen in the opening period.

BENCH WATCH: Rickie Lambert would be the obvious change for Southampton if they wished to alter proceedings, with Rodriguez struggling to influence matters thus far. Pablo Osvaldo, however, is not available. James Ward-Prowse is also in reserve. Chelsea, meanwhile, have the likes of Oscar, Demba Ba, Willian and Samuel Eto'o on their bench this afternoon.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that three points for Chelsea could move them into second depending on Arsenal's result at home to Cardiff City, with that match also goalless at the interval. Right, Chelsea get the second 45 minutes underway on this cold, wet afternoon on the South Coast.

Southampton were forced into a change at the interval with fit-again Clyne replacing Shaw. It is understood that the latter picked up a problem in the latter stages of the first period. That is a blow for the home side. Southampton pick up the first yellow card of the second half as Ramirez catches Cole with a late challenge.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as a corner causes Cech all sorts of problems. Lovren and Lallana both have efforts from close range, but Chelsea manage to put in two fine blocks at the vital moment. The Saints want a penalty, but the referee is not interested. They cannot afford to keep missing chances.

End-to-end football in the last couple of moments as Lallana goes close before Cork clears a Mata cross down the other end. Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho wastes no time in the early stages of the second period here as he calls for Oscar and Willian. The attacking pair indeed enter the field in place of Mata and Schurrle.

Safe to say that Mata is not too pleased with the change as he lets his feelings known to those on the bench. I suspect that we have not seen the last of that. Will he force a move away in January? Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but both sides continue to force the issue in the final third.

BOOKING! Incredible decision from the referee as he books Oscar for diving inside the box when the Brazilian had looked for a penalty after rounding the Southampton goalkeeper. That is an incredible call from the official and I think he has got it just about right.

Sensational atmosphere at the moment as the end-to-end period of the match continues with the challenges flying in from both sides. Clyne manages to gain a yard of space down the Chelsea right before delivering a wonderful cross into the box, but Cahill is on hand to clear the danger. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining in this Premier League contest.

Chelsea take the lead on the hour mark as Torres taps home from close range after Oscar had struck the post from outside the box. Finally a striker has scored on the road in the Premier League for Chelsea.

It is harsh on Southampton, who have been more than a match for Chelsea in this match. However, Mourinho must be praised for making changes in the early stages of the half. The away supporters are in fine voice at the moment. Southampton make a change of their own, meanwhile, as Lambert replaces Cork.

Chelsea continue to force the issue as Willian finds Hazard inside the box, but Lovren is across to clear at the vital moment. You just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals in this contest. Southampton will surely get chances in the latter stages. Little over 25 minutes remaining in what has been a wonderful Premier League contest.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Southampton to level as Clyne finds the head of Lambert inside the Chelsea box, but he can only plant his effort into the arms of Cech. Incredible opportunity for the England international. Better from Southampton in the last couple of moments.

Good pressure from the home side in the last couple of moments as they continue to pass and probe outside the Chelsea box, but they are struggling to find that elusive ball in the final third. It would not be a surprise if Ward-Prowse was introduced in the next few moments. The midfielder is a wonderful deliverer of the ball.

Another half-chance for Chelsea as Oscar finds some space down the left before delivering a cross towards Torres, but Lovren is on hand to clear the danger. You just get the feeling that the away side need to score again to be sure of the points. Little under 20 minutes of football remaining as the rain continues to fall on the South Coast.

Chelsea have their second with little under 20 minutes remaining as Oscar finds Willian, who thumps a wonderful effort into the corner of the net. That is surely game over at St Mary's.

Southampton just cannot get the ball at the moment as Chelsea continue to force the issue in the final third. Another deep cross from Oscar causes problems inside the area, with Clyne forced to fire behind under pressure from Torres. It would not be a surprise if we saw more goals in the final 15 minutes or so.

Southampton make their second change as Davis is replaced by Ward-Prowse for the final 15 minutes of this Premier League fixture. Another half-chance for Chelsea moments later as Oscar drills a low cross into the box, but Willian cannot convert from close range. Still 2-0 Chelsea.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments as Chelsea continue to keep possession of the ball. It is almost as if Southampton have lost the belief as the final 10 minutes approaches. As it stands, they would move into second spot in the table with Arsenal being held at home by Cardiff City.

The rain continues to fall on the South Coast as the Chelsea supporters make their voices known. One goal for Southampton at this stage would set up an exciting finish, but the away side are fairly comfortable in defence with 81 minutes on the clock.

Chelsea have their third of the match as Hazard finds Oscar beyond the Southampton defence. The Brazilian emerges into a one-on-one situation with Davis before slotting his effort into the bottom corner.

Strong response from Southampton as Lallana twice delivers dangerous balls into the Chelsea box, but Terry is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Chelsea make their third and final change moments later as Essien replaces Hazard for the final five minutes or so. The points are heading back to Stamford Bridge.

Not too much to report in the last couple of moments as Chelsea continue to keep hold of the possession deep in the Southampton half. Southampton were impressive in the first period and early stages of the second, but have really struggled since the Blues took the lead.

Southampton just cannot keep the ball at the moment as Chelsea continue to press in the middle of the park. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. In truth, not too much has happened since Chelsea scored the third.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Southampton in the latter stages as Ramirez finds some space inside the Chelsea box, but his curling effort is high and wide of the crossbar.

So there we have it. Chelsea continue their strong run of form with a 3-0 win over Southampton. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to stick around for all the reaction. Until then!