Chelsea desperately need a lift to revive their fortunes in their Premier League title defence

Visit by Southampton at Stamford bridge will provide stern test as Jose Mourinho struggles to get Blues back on track
As Chelsea's problems deepen, Jose Mourinho will attempt to revive his side's disastrous campaign by masterminding a victory against Southampton at Stamford Bridge this weekend.

As Chelsea's problems deepen, Jose Mourinho will attempt to revive his side's disastrous campaign by masterminding a victory against Southampton at Stamford Bridge today.

The overhaul did not have the desired effectthe manager had hoped, with Chelsea slumping to a 2-1 defeat that reinforced the view that Mourinho's side this season are a shadow of the team that eased their way to the Premier League title in May.

The visit of Southampton will provide another stern test, with Saints manager Ronald Koeman voicing his confidence that his side can get something from the game after twice holding Chelsea last season.

Mourinho's men need a lift and injured keeper Thibaut Courtois expressed the frustration currently gripping the club.

The Belgium goalkeeper, now sidelined with a knee problem, said: "It is not easy, no, to see all that, and not be part of the team at the moment, and being unable to help.

"Tuesday, in the Champions League, they lost, playing a good game. But we will progress. And Saturday, we have to win at home. There is pressure, and I hope we will win. After that, there is the international break, and then I hope Chelsea win a series of matches.

"We have tough matches, but we must do better than now."

Chelsea's success last season was built on their defensive strength but Courtois' absence, together with Branislav Ivanovic's dramatic loss of form and John Terry's frequent demotion to the bench, means the back four is not what it was.