Thomas Tuchel could opt to make a few changes to his Chelsea lineup when Southampton come to town on Saturday.

The Blues boss hasn’t been impressed with his players in their recent defeats to Man City and Juventus, and has been chopping and changing during games in a desperate search for creativity.

That could continue here, with this the possible lineup that Tuchel will plump for.

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Edouard Mendy (GK) – Arguably Chelsea’s best player so far, Mendy is a guaranteed starter if he’s healthy.

Cesar Azpilicueta (CB) – There hasn’t been much wrong with Chelsea’s defence in recent weeks, so expect Azpilicueta to keep his spot at the back.

Andreas Christensen (CB) – With Thiago Silva playing 90 minutes in midweek, he’ll likely be rested here and that means Christensen will keep his spot.

Antonio Rudiger (CB) – One of Tuchel’s favourites, Rudiger should retain his slot in the squad.

Callum Hudson-Odoi (RM) – The young winger did reasonably well off the bench against Juventus and looked as though he actually wanted to make something happen. That should earn him a start.

Mateo Kovacic (CM) – Guilty of overcomplicating far too many passes in recent weeks, Kovacic should start largely because of a lack of fit alternatives.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek (CM) – Excellent in cameos against both City and Juventus, Loftus-Cheek could hardly deserve a start more if he tried. Jorginho is clearly not fully fit and the fact that Tuchel keeps taking him off suggests he is not completely happy with the Italian.

Ben Chilwell (LM) – Marcos Alonso’s glow-up looks to be over again, and while Chilwell is yet to really do anything to prove he deserves to start, he could hardly do worse than Alonso has been.

Kai Havertz (AM) – Havertz was sloppy against Juventus but at least looked willing to run at defenders. He could be benched for Timo Werner here, but expect Havertz to start.

Mason Mount (AM) – It’s no coincidence that Chelsea have stumbled in Mount’s absence. His urgency and high-tempo playstyle is something the Blues have sorely lacked, and if he can shake off his knock, he has to start.

Romelu Lukaku (ST) – Equally as wasteful as he has been starved of service, Lukaku knows he has to be a whole lot better than he has been.