Chelsea have closed the gap on third by winning four of their last five PL matches and face a Southampton side who have lost nine of their last 11 Premier League matches in London.
Team news
Chelsea's Olivier Giroud and Cesc Fabregas are both doubtful with ankle and neck problems respectively.
Southampton are without midfielder Pierre Emile Hojbjerg through suspension.
However, centre-backs Maya Yoshida and Jannik Vestergaard are among those who could return to Saints' starting XI, while Matthew Targett could miss out with a muscle problem.
Did you know?
The last time Chelsea played their first Premier League match of a calendar year at home was 2013, when they lost 0-1 to Queens Park Rangers.
Since keeping back-to-back clean sheets in October, Southampton have conceded at least once in their last 10 Premier League fixtures, the longest current run in the competition.
Eden Hazard has had a hand in seven goals in his last six matches against Southampton for Chelsea in all competitions, scoring four and assisting three.
Southampton have won three of their 19 PL visits to Stamford Bridge.
Referee: Jonathan Moss
Assistants: Harry Lennard, Andy Halliday
Fourth official: Simon Hooper
