Exclusive – Nathaniel Clyne: Southampton out to stun ‘tired’ Chelsea and prove top four credentials

Nathaniel Clyne says Southampton are ready to heap more misery on Chelsea on Saturday - and prove they are still serious contenders to finish in the top four of the Premier League.

Jose Mourinho’s side is unbeaten in seven league games heading into the Stamford Bridge clash but suffered huge disappointment in midweek when they crashed out of the Champions League after 120 exhausting minutes against Paris Saint-Germain.

“We saw them play against PSG and thought they looked a bit tired. Hopefully, can we capitalise on that,” said Saints full-back Clyne, in an exclusive interview with talkSPORT.

“We are fresh at the moment and, if we take the game to them, we can cause an upset.

“If we play the game we can play, it will be a good game, and hopefully we can get the points.

“It will be difficult - Chelsea are a good team with quality players, but we are up for the challenge.”

Southampton’s form dipped in February, with just one win in five games seeing them slip from third to seventh in the table.

That has led many pundits to write off their chances of securing a Champions League spot, but, having kicked off this month with victory over Crystal Palace, Ronald Koeman’s players are not giving up hope.

“When people say we can’t do it, it makes us push on, work harder, and fight for it.” said Clyne.

“No-one expected a club like Southampton to be fighting for the top four. We are a good team and we are going to keep pushing on.

“There are a lot of games left and a lot of points to play for. If we stay positive and keep playing how we are playing, we can fight for it and hopefully we can get in there."

Tune into talkSPORT for live and exclusive national radio coverage of Chelsea v Southampton on Saturday (kick-off 13:30)

Listen to the full interview with Nathaniel Clyne on Players' Lounge on talkSPORT from 7pm on Friday night