Tactical Battles That Will Shape Chelsea's Clash with Southampton

Chelsea face Southampton in a key clash at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, as Mauricio Pochettino tests his wits against a manager who has caused him to struggle in the past. But Jose Mourinho knows victory is vital after the midweek defeat to FC Basel, and the Saints could provide a tough test.

Mourinho was criticised after his Blues side were outclassed by their Swiss opponents, and the Portuguese coach knows he has to deliver a tactical masterplan to overcome Pochettino's high-flying side.

If there was a game that could determine the ambitions of either side this season, it is this one. Chelsea are competing with Arsenal and Liverpool for top spot in third position, while Southampton are in fifth after a great start. But defeat could see them fall to seventh if results go against them.

And with so much at stake, we take a look at the key tactical battles.

Andre Schurrle v Luke Shaw: Winger v Wing Back

The German international has proven to be a useful outlet on the right-hand side, injecting pace and energy into Chelsea's counterattacking play. And despite sitting out the last three games on the bench, the 23-year-old is expected to replace Oscar, who looks set for to be rested after taking part in every Premier League game so far this season.

But he comes up against 18-year-old English sensation Luke Shaw, the left-back with a seamless amount of energy and raw pace. While he lacks Schurrle's height and strength, Shaw will certainly be more than a match for the former Bayer Leverkusen forward.

An intriguing battle awaits as both players are equally adept at defending as they are at going forward.

Ramires v Morgan Schneiderlin: The midfield battle

The art of the box-to-box midfielder is put to the test as two of the best in the country go head-to-head.

Ramires has become a key part of the Chelsea team in the past 18 months with his direct running and unbelievable levels of work rate. But equally, French midfielder Schneiderlin has shown vast levels of improvement and has been influential in their impressive start to the season.

His capability at picking out a pass and executing it is something that he has over Ramires, whose technical ability is not the greatest. That said, the pace and stamina of Ramires will cause problems through the midfield and Schneiderlin will need to be at his best to stop him from asserting his influence on the game.

John Terry v Jay Rodriguez: Wit against craft

A former England international against a promising one. The battle between Terry and Rodriguez promises to be one filled with action. 

Rodriguez is your typical I-can-play-anywhere striker. Put him behind the main man in a No 10 role, on the wing or as the target man and he will cause problems. His composure and confidence in his ability makes him a difficult striker to stop, and with three Premier League goals this season, he will want to build on that tally.

But John Terry looks rejuvenated under Mourinho this season and appears to have regained his top form, even if Chelsea haven't. The 32-year-old remains an integral part of the side and his leadership and ability to read the game is key to the Blues maintaining their defensive discipline.

Rodriguez will be Southampton's main threat at Stamford Bridge and it will be up to captain Terry to stop him from adding to his total.

Fernando Torres v Dejan Lovren: In-form players go head-to-head

With Samuel Eto'o's groin injury keeping him out for the next two weeks, Fernando Torres' return from his own injury has alleviated Mourinho's injury fears. 

And the Spaniard, despite managing only one Premier League goal this season, has five in all competitions and looks to be returning to his best form in terms of his contribution to the team. His pace, work rate and general hold-up play is becoming a key part of Chelsea's attack.

But Dejan Lovren, an £8 million summer arrival from Lyon, has proved to be a superb piece of business from Pochettino. The Croatian international knows the Saints are likely to have their backs to the wall for the majority of the game, but the towering defender is one of the best centre-backs in the air in the league at present.

Whoever comes out on top in this battle is bound to use it as a platform for the rest of the season.