Southampton vs Chelsea preview: Best free betting tips, odds and predictions

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the betting offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page but our evaluations remain independent. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.

James Anderson, Betting & Gaming Writer

Published: 14:00, 3 Dec 2024

CHELSEA visit rock-bottom Southampton looking to clinch a fourth-successive victory in all competitions.

SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest and selected the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.

Find The Sun's betting publishing principles here

New sign-up offers

Betfred: Get £50 in free football bets -

BetMGM: Get £40 in free bets to spend on football -

talkSPORT BET: Get up to £40 in free bets to spend on football -

Tote: Grab your £40 welcome bonus -

Already have these accounts? Don't worry, we've got loads more terrific deals below!

Check out the latest free bets to use on football, horse racing, and lots more.

Southampton vs Chelsea preview

Chelsea arrive at St Mary's in fine form having put in their most well-rounded performance of the year against Aston Villa on Sunday.

The Blues swept aside their below-par opponents 3-0 at Stamford Bridge courtesy of goals from Nicolas Jackson, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer.

The victory was their third on the bounce in all competitions and second in the Premier League to leave them in joint-second position alongside Arsenal.

Draw 4/1 with William Hill -

Chelsea 4/11 with William Hill -

Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Southampton vs Chelsea preview betting tips and predictions

Away goals

Southampton have been their own worst enemies at the back this season. They've conceded 25 goals in 13 matches, including 22 defensive errors with EIGHT of those slip-ups leading to goals -- three more than the next top-flight club.

That's not ideal against a Chelsea side who boast the highest expected goals (xG) from open play (20.95). Given Enzo Maresca's side have scored more goals away from home than any other Premier League side - we expect they will be capable of scoring at least three on Wednesday.

Chelsea to score over 2.5 Goals at 6/5 with William Hill -

Nico time

If Chelsea are to score a handful as we predict, it's likely that in-form Nicolas Jackson will get on the scoresheet.

The 23-year-old trails only Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah and Chris Wood in the Premier League goalscoring charts this season with eight - six less than he managed in the entirety of last season.

*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.

*New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.

*BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10+ at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 Acca, 1 x £10 Horse Racing, 1 x £10 Football, 1 x £10 Bet Builder. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.