Chelsea vs Southampton: What time does it start, what TV channel is it on and where can I watch it?

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea beat Southampton 2-0 in the last encounter between the two sides (Getty)

Chelsea can afford little time for celebration following their thrilling FA Cup semi-final victory over Tottenham in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday. They return to Premier League action on Tuesday against middling Southampton with an opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table to seven points before Spurs are in action on Wednesday.

While Chelsea’s 4-2 victory at Wembley may have given them the psychological edge in the run-in, they must improve their league form following surprise defeats to Crystal Palace and Manchester United, given Tottenham’s impressive Premier League form of late.

Southampton, ninth in the Premier League table, should be well rested given their last match was a 0-3 home defeat to Manchester City on 15 April. The Saints have little to play for in the remainder of the campaign, but Claude Puel will be desperate to secure a top-half finish in his first season in English football; an achievable aspiration given they have two games in hand over eighth place West Brom.

What time does it start?

Chelsea vs Southampton kicks off at 7.45pm on Tuesday night.

Where can I watch it?

The match will be shown live on Sky Sports 1 from 7.30pm. Highlights will be shown at 12.00am on Sky Sports 1.

It’s a big game for…

Diego Costa: Surely a contender for Player of Season during the first-half of the season, Chelsea forward Costa has only scored three goals and provided no assists since 15 January. With rumours linking him with a lucrative move to the Chinese Super League refusing to subside, Costa’s Chelsea career may depend on his form returning to its pre-Christmas heights.

After being dropped for Chelsea’s FA Cup semi-final on Saturday, Costa will have a point to prove should he be restored to the starting eleven.

Diego Costa has been out of form lately (AFP)