Southampton boss Ronald Koeman is looking forward to facing Jose Mourinho's Chelsea.

Saints face the unenviable task of trying to stifle a Blues side not only chasing the Premier League crown but wounded by Wednesday's European exit to Paris St Germain.

"I don't know when it's a good time to face them," the Dutchman said. "It's always a difficult time.

"It's a big team, a strong team with some great players and of course they are very disappointed after the last Wednesday result.

"If you play 60 minutes against 10 players, you don't expect that final result and maybe a little bit more under pressure.

"They fight after the League Cup title and after that, not the most important one, they fight for the title.

"They need a win after a disappointing result but they will give a reaction you normally expect as a manager."