Team News: Charlie Austin earns first start against Chelsea

Charlie Austin makes his league debut in the Southampton starting XI for their trip to Chelsea this afternoon.

Graziano Pelle and James Ward-Prowse drop to the bench as Ronald Koeman makes two changes from the side that claimed a 1-0 win at Swansea City a fortnight ago.

Cedric Soares is also back in the fold at right-back as the Saints look to move as high as fifth in the Premier League table with a win over the champions.

Meanwhile, interim Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink makes two alterations from the side that thumped Newcastle United 5-1 last time out.

Captain John Terry has failed a late fitness test on a hamstring injury and is replaced in the back four by Baba Rahman, while John Obi Mikel is in for Nemanja Matic in defensive midfield.

Diego Costa once again leads the line for the Blues, supported by Eden Hazard, Willian and Pedro, who managed a brace against the Magpies.

January signing Alexandre Pato has made the trip to the south coast with his new side but plays no part in the matchday squad as he continues to build up his fitness.

Southampton: Forster; Cedric, Fonte, Van Dijk, Targett; Long, Romeu, Davis, Clasie, Bertrand; Austin Subs: Stekelenburg, Yoshida, Mane, Tadic, Martina, Ward-Prowse, Pelle

Chelsea: Courtois; Azpilicueta, Cahill, Ivanovic, Baba Rahman; Mikel, Fabregas; Pedro, Willian, Hazard; Diego Costa Subs: Begovic, Matic, Loftus-Cheek, Kenedy, Oscar, Traore, Remy

Follow live coverage of the game from St Mary's with Sports Mole's text commentary here.