Predicted Chelsea XI to face Southampton: Kalidou Koulibaly set for return as Conor Gallagher suspended

Chelsea face Southampton at St Mary’s on Tuesday night as Thomas Tuchel seeks back-to-back wins after victory over Leicester City.

The Blues were down to 10 men following Conor Gallagher’s dismissal for two yellow cards in the first half.

However, this did not stop Tuchel’s side, with Raheem Sterling netting a brace to see his side come away with three points at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea will be looking to add another three points as they close out August against the Saints.

Tuchel will be without Gallagher, who is serving a suspension, while N’Golo Kante remains sidelined with injury.

Kalidou Koulibaly is set to return after missing the clash against Leicester following his dismissal the following week at Leeds.

There are set to be several changes to Tuchel’s starting XI as they travel to the south coast.

Thomas Tuchel on the touchline against Tottenham. (Alamy)

Predicted Chelsea XI to face Southampton: Mendy, Chalobah, Silva, Koulibaly, James, Jorginho, Loftus-Cheek, Cucurella, Pulisic, Havertz, Sterling

Edouard Mendy recovered well against Leicester, making several crucial saves, just a week after being at fault for Leeds’ opener against the Blues.

In defence, Koulibaly is set to return while Trevoh Chalobah could keep his place after looking sharp against Leicester.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s clash, Tuchel hinted that Cesar Azpilicueta could be involved, admitting that it is a tough decision to not play the skipper.

"At the moment, it's one of the toughest decisions,” he said. 

“He trains so well & is in such good shape and status mentally. He's pushing everybody and is fully committed – it's what you want..."

However, with Koulibaly returning and Chalobah impressing against Leicester, Azpilicueta may have to settle for a bench appearance once more.

Tuchel confirmed that the Senegal international will return to his starting XI, saying: “He will be on the pitch at Southampton, he is a massive player for us, and there's no doubt about it."

In midfield, Ruben Loftus-Cheek could shift centrally, allowing Reece James to operate at wing-back.

Mateo Kovacic returned from injury from the bench against Leicester, but it is unclear as to whether he is fit enough to start the clash against the Saints, with minutes from the bench perhaps more likely.

Ben Chilwell is still being eased into the Chelsea line-up after returning from a long-term ACL injury and Marc Cucurella could be trusted from the start once more.

Reece James celebrating with Raheem Sterling for Chelsea. (Chelsea FC)

In attack, Mason Mount was substituted at half-time against Leicester and after an underwhelming start to the season, the England international could be named on the bench on the south coast.

Mount usually performs well against Southampton, but his inconsistency at the beginning of the campaign may see Christian Pulisic handed a chance in attack.

While Armando Broja will be keen to face his former club, where he scored six Premier League goals on loan last season, Kai Havertz has been praised for his workrate by Tuchel in recent days and could be handed another start.

Sterling will no doubt keep his place after bagging his first and second Chelsea goals on Saturday.