Mateo Kovacic returns as Real Madrid decision made – Predicted Chelsea side vs Southampton

Thomas Tuchel pretty much knows what to expect from Southampton this afternoon. Yet that will not make Chelsea's task any easier as the Blues attempt to get back on track after disappointing and calamitous defeats to Brentford and Real Madrid.

"They will not let us fall asleep. That is clear," Tuchel said during his pre-match press conference yesterday at Cobham. "They either play a 4-4-2 with a heavy, high pressing line of six players – which they did in the first match of the season and is their usual shape – or, as in the second game against us in the League Cup, they play a back five, which leads to a man mark over the whole pitch, very demanding and intense game.

"We had a look and watched some things from the two matches [we have played against them this season]. Both matches were of a high level of quality, very intense and fluid from both sides. Very active. It is quite a challenge, and we come from another game. It is demanding. Maybe it is good. There is no other way than to accept this physicality. Otherwise, we will be under the wheels."

: Every word Thomas Tuchel said on Southampton vs Chelsea, Real Madrid, Mendy, Kante, Lukaku, more

Tuchel will expect a response from his players, especially given the honest and frank team meeting that took place in the aftermath of Wednesday night's Champions League quarter-final first-leg defeat to Real Madrid. The Blues lost that game 3-1 and will need something of a miracle to turn things around in the second leg at the Bernabeu on Tuesday evening.

In order to give themselves every opportunity, though, the German coach may need to tailor his side to face Southampton accordingly. And there could be a few changes made in key positions. But the quality of the Chelsea squad,