Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez expects a tough game on Saturday against Southampton.

Benitez has been impressed with Southampton this season, both under Nigel Adkins, whose team secured a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge in his final game as manager, and now under Mauricio Pochettino.

"He is doing well. It is not an easy job for a new manager," Benitez said.

"They were doing well with Adkins. I had a very good opinion of them before and I have a good opinion now."

Southampton remain in danger of relegation but Benitez said: "My feeling is they have a good team, they have a good understanding of the game and some good players so they have a chance (of staying up)."