Chelsea FC take on Bournemouth this afternoon and as we close in on kick-off, Guus Hiddink and Eddie Howe have handed in their respective teamsheets.
In case you understandably forgot, Chelsea FC square off with AFC Bournemouth this afternoon in a game that few people care about. With under an hour until kick-off, the two managers have confirmed their teams for the clash down by the seaside.
| Bournemouth | Chelsea FC |
|---|---|
| Artur Boruc | Asmir Begovic |
| Simon Francis | Cesar Azpilicueta |
| Steve Cook | John Obi Mikel |
| Tommy Elphick | Branislav Ivanovic (C) |
| Charlie Daniels | Baba Rahman |
| Junior Stanislas | Cesc Fabregas |
| Dan Gosling | Nemanja Matic |
| Andrew Surman | Pedro |
| Marc Pugh | Willian |
| Lewis Grabban | Eden Hazard |
| Joshua King | Diego Costa |
| Substitutes | Substitutes |
| Adam Federici | Marco Amelia |
| Rhoys Wiggins | Radamel Falcao |
| Shaun MacDonald | Alexandre Pato |
| Eunan O'Kane | Bertrand Traore |
| Matt Ritchie | Kenedy |
| Callum Wilson | Matt Miazga |
| Benik Afobe | Ruben Loftus-Cheek |
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The biggest news is that Eden Hazard starts. Guus Hiddink confirmed in his pre-match press conference that the Belgian is available for selection and he will take the field from the off. Hazard has been missing for over six weeks with a hip problem but hopefully this latest spell on the sidelines has reinvigorated him. With the season reaching its conclusion, he will be eager to show that he still has quality about him. Expect the winger to last an hour at most.
Asmir Begovic comes in for Thibaut Courtois in goal. The interim boss may have been tempted to make the switch voluntarily, but the Belgian’s red card last week has enforced it anyway.
In front of Begovic, John Obi Mikel comes in for Gary Cahill in the centre of defence. This is probably the most surprising selection with the Englishman not making the matchday squad despite returning from injury just last week. This is also an indication of Hiddink’s faith in Miazga as he has opted to play Mikel out of position instead of sticking the American alongside Branislav Ivanovic. The Serb continues to captain in John Terry’s absence.
Nemanja Matic fills in for Mikel in midfield, partnering Cesc Fabregas. Rather disappointingly, there is no room for Ruben Loftus-Cheek with Willian, Pedro and Hazard forming the trio behind the striker. With this game meaning very little, it was hoped that the youngster would get another start. Neither of Kenedy or Bertrand Traore have been given the nod either, with all three on the bench.
Diego Costa is the man upfront after a stale performance last week. Alexandre Pato will probably get some minutes towards the end of the contest, no matter the situation.
Eddie Howe, meanwhile, makes two changes to the team that were beaten by Liverpool. Marc Pugh and Lewis Grabban come in for Max Gradel and Matt Ritchie. Talismanic striker Callum Wilson continues to progress on the comeback trail after an ACL injury and is on the bench. Expect him to get game time as well.
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What do you think of the teams? Are you excited to see Hazard back? Leave us your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!