Reece James send message ahead of Southampton clash

Chelsea captain Reece James has sent a big message ahead of the Premier League clash against Southampton on Tuesday night.

The Blues have been in poor form in the top-flight and they have picked up just nine points from their previous 10 league games.

As a result, the club have dropped to seventh in the standings, but they are still just one point behind Manchester City for the fourth spot.

Champions League qualification is still within their grasp, and James has urged everyone to stick together to come through the lead patch.

He said: "We have a big game on Tuesday [vs Southampton], in front of our own fans, and now it’s time for us to stick together and come through this patch."

The Blues are strong favourites to beat the Saints with home advantage. Anything less than a victory could lead to more displeasure from the faithful.

Enzo Maresca's job remains safe at the moment, but the hierarchy's stance could change in the coming weeks if the Blues were to fall further down the table.