Chelsea FC welcome Bournemouth in yet another must-win Premier League clash for the Blues.
Jose Mourinho will face off with one of the youngest managers in the Premier League on Saturday as Eddie Howe brings his unpredictable Bournemouth side to Stamford Bridge. On a three-match unbeaten run, Chelsea need to continue their good form.
After returning from the international break, the Blues have beaten Norwich City and Maccabi Tel-Aviv, while picking up a well-earned point against Tottenham Hotspur.
Furthermore, they have also kept three straight clean sheets, something encouraging given the significant defensive deficiencies at the beginning of the season.
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However, any sane football fan will realise that Chelsea are still fragile. Mourinho’s men have climbed just two places to 14th position during this run and are still closer to the relegation zone points-wise than they are to a Europa League spot.
Optimistic Blues still regard the top four as a very realistic target and it is not wholly unjustified either. A win streak that is usually becoming of a Mourinho Chelsea side should see them rocket up the table and into European contention.
However, a pothole on the way could easily send them plunging back into the depths.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, find themselves down in 18th position having lost four of their last six games. Nonetheless, they are having the time of their lives in the Premier League and this carefree, positive attitude makes them intrinsically dangerous.
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Team News
The Blues will be without John Terry, Ramires and Radamel Falcao even though they were rumoured to be near full-fitness earlier this week. Thibaut Courtois, however, is available for selection and will probably displace Asmir Begovic as the first-choice goalkeeper.
Loic Remy should also be selectable, after missing last week’s game due to his wife giving birth. With Diego Costa’s benching and subsequent petulant behaviour, it would not be surprising if Remy got the nod ahead of the Spanish international.
On the Bournemouth side of affairs, Howe has refused to confirm the status of Artur Boruc or Adam Federici, with the prospect of third-choice Ryan Allsop starting realistic.
Furthermore, the Cherries will unfortunately be without star man Callum Wilson, who was ruled out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury for the long-term in September.
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Key Details
Chelsea FC v Bournemouth, 4th December
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Time: 17:30 BST, 12:30 ET
TV: Sky Sports 1 (UK), NBC (US), check your country’s local listings here
The last time that these two teams clashed under competitive conditions was way back in 1994. The Blues triumphed 1-0 in each leg of this League Cup tie. Chelsea supporters will not complain should the same scoreline prevail on Saturday.
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