Defending English Premier League (EPL) champions Chelsea are having a bad start in their title defense this season, and they will have a chance to improve that when they host Southampton Stamford Bridge today, Saturday. 

Chelsea are 14th in the league table with eight points currently tied with West Bromwich Albion. 

So far, the Blues only have won twice in league play, beating West Brom and Arsenal. 

Chelsea's current record is 2–2–3 with their second draw coming in their last EPL match when they had a 2–2 finish against Newcastle United. 

The Blues will be heading to Saturday's match looking to return on the winning track since they are coming off a 2–1 loss in their most recent Champions League outing facing FC Porto. 

Chelsea manager José Mourinho is not enjoying the start they are having and said, according to BBC Sport, "I define this as the worst period in my career. It's a fantastic experience, even though I don't want to repeat it again."

Striker Diego Costa will not be with the club, serving the last match of a three-match ban handed by the Football Association (FA). 

Costa was charged by the FA with violent conduct because of his acts during their victory over Arsenal. 

BBC Sport reported that likely replacements for the Spaniard are Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao. 

Meanwhile, Southampton are faring fine this season in EPL and are in the 10th spot with nine points tied with Swansea City, Norwich City, and Watford. 

The Saints will have momentum heading to the match as they won in their last two matches beating Milton Keynes Dons F.C. (6–0) in the Capital One Cup and Swansea (3–1) in the EPL. 

In BBC Sport's report, Southampton manager Ronald Koeman spoke about Chelsea's struggling start and said, "Everybody can have a difficult start to the season."

Koeman cited Chelsea's defense as the aspect of the club's game they are having problems with after all the goals they allowed this season. 

The match between Chelsea and Southampton will be on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 12:30 p.m. EST. To watch via live stream, click here.