Chelsea vs Bournemouth
Date: 31/01/18
K.O: 19.45pm
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Antonio Conte is looking forward to the transfer window closing and says the speculation over incomings and departures has not helped him prepare his Chelsea side to face Bournemouth.
Chelsea have completed the signings of Roma left-back Emerson Palmieri as well as a striker Olivier Giroud. After being dumped out of the Carabao Cup at the hands of Arsenal ast week, Chelsea returned to winning ways against Newcastle United in the FA Cup on Sunday. Marcos Alonso offered a timely reminder of what he can do during the 3-0 win, both in an attacking sense and defensively.
Though the Blues may have more obvious threats for Bournemouth to be concerned with, such as Eden Hazard, Alvaro Morata or Pedro, Alonso’s creativity and set-piece expertise are potent weapons. Although it was ultimately a comfortable win for Chelsea over the Magpies, Newcastle did have some success early on amid a lacklustre start for the hosts at Stamford Bridge.
Newcastle’s main problem was that they were unable to capitalise on their chances due to their lack of cutting edge up front, which has been the cause of many of their problems this season. Bournemouth haven’t been a great deal more prolific they’ve scored three more goals in the Premier League but if they can make the most of any positive spells they enjoy during the game, they could get something out of it.
Chelsea team news is that Alvaro Morata could return to the Chelsea line up after his brief spell on the sidelines. Willian was taken off during Chelsea’s 2-1 loss at the Emirates last Wednesday and he is a major doubt for the Bournemouth clash, as is fellow Brazilian, David Luiz. Ross Barkley is set to make his first Premier League start for the club.
Bournemouth team news is that the Cherries have no new injury concerns with the exceptions of Jermain Defoe & Tyrone Mings who have missed a total of 37 games between them this season. Callum Wilson, Bournemouth’s top scorer this season with 7 goals, will lead the line at Stamford Bridge. Nathan Ake will return to his former club for the first time since signing for Bournemouth in the summer.
The Cherries came from behind to beat Arsenal 2-1 on January 14, showing their ability to punish mistakes, even those made by superior opponents. Chelsea will still be expecting to pick up three points from this game, but they will need to put in a strong showing if they are to do so.
Written by James Becker.
