SAINTS look likely to be unchanged tomorrow for the test of the team Harry Redknapp believes can do the treble.
With no fresh injuries, Saints will line-up with the same 4-4-2 formation that Redknapp has settled with in recent weeks.
The St Mary's boss admits he considered reorganising his team for the challenge posed by Jose Mourinho's Chelsea but has decided to stick with what has served him well in recent times.
"They are difficult to play against because they play differently to most teams," explained Redknapp.
"They play with two wide and one up and three in the centre, so basically they have five across the middle. They outnumber you in midfield because, if you are playing 4-4-2, your two central midfield players are playing against three with Makelele the spare man, so it's very difficult to get to grips with them.
"The only way is to play the same as them but I can't do that - I haven't got the players.
"I'm not set-up for that. I couldn't ask (Henri) Camara to play wide, so we will play the way we play and hopefully we can work hard, kill the space and pull off a result.
"4-5-1 is the ideal way to play against them but you have got to get people in their best positions if you can."
Redknapp admits he is a big fan of Chelsea boss Mourinho, saying he's brought real character to the Premiership.
"I think he's been terrific," he said.
"I like him very much. He's got personality, he's bright, he's terrific at his job and he's got great players to work with, so it's a nice position to be in.
"They could easily do the treble. They have got a great chance in the Champions' League.
"It ain't going to be easy to beat them and they are rightly the favourites. They are full of quality, everywhere, have top class players and that is why they have done so well.
"The game has never changed - if you've got the best players you have got the chance to be the best team.
"Next season, it will be Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea, however they finish in the top three, because they have got the best players."
The Saints boss also dismissed any suggestion that key Chelsea players Frank Lampard and John Terry might be jaded from their England exploits in the past week.
He added: "Lampard doesn't know the word tiredness and Terry will want to play every game.
"They will want to get the Championship done and dusted. They won't want any slip-ups now."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article