CHELSEA v Bournemouth: Preview

After 3 wins from our first 3 games, this afternoon’s game sees us play host to Bournemouth. We’ve had a decent start to the season, at least in terms of the football overall and results, but there’s no hiding from the fact our defence looks as solid as a relationship with Katie Price.

The visitors have also had a good start to their season and come to Stamford Bridge unbeaten.
They’ve also beaten us at home in two out of the last three seasons, the last time just 7 months ago, so Eddi Howe will have paid plenty of attention to our defence ahead of this game.
Not an easy one to call.


MANAGER’S VIEWS

Going into today’s game, Chelsea head coach Maurizio Sarri says “I know him (Howe) very well. I think he’s a very interesting young coach. I think he will make a mark in English football in the future. They are very dangerous opponents for us.”

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe meanwhile, says “We know how difficult the game’s going to be but we’re very keen to keep the momentum from what has been a really positive beginning. Now the challenge gets harder. We’ve had good games against Chelsea and we’ve really enjoyed them. They’ve always been close and that should inspire the players.”

SQUAD NEWS
For Chelsea, Cesc Fabregas (knee) remains out but there are no new injury concerns.
For Bournemouth, Lys Mousset (ankle) is out and Marc Pugh (calf) is a doubt, although Adam Smith returns from suspension and new signing Jefferson Lerma could make his debut.

TEAMS
CHELSEA (Possible line-up): Kepa; Alonso, Luiz, Rudiger, Azpilicueta; Kovacic, Jorginho, Kante; Hazard, Morata, Pedro
BOURNEMOUTH (Possible line-up): Begovic; Smith, Cook, Ake, Daniels; Brooks, Lerma, Surman, Fraser; Wilson, King

LAST SEASON
Chelsea 0-3 Bournemouth (31^st January 2018)

CURRENT FORM
CHELSEA: WWW
BOURNEMOUTH: WWD

HISTORY

• Chelsea have won nine of their 12 meetings with Bournemouth
• Bournemouth have won twice at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League
• Bournemouth won this fixture 3-0 in January
• The away team has triumphed in five of the six previous Premier League fixtures.
• Bournemouth could remain unbeaten in their opening four league matches for the first time since 1998 in the third tier.
• Bournemouth are aiming to win three consecutive away games in the Premier League for the first time.
• Bournemouth have won a league-high 25 points from losing positions since the start of last season.
• Bournemouth have only won twice in 18 Premier League attempts away to last season’s top six, losing 14 times and drawing twice.

PREDICTIONS
BBC Sport: Chelsea 2-1 Bournemouth
Sky Sports: Chelsea 3-1 Bournemouth

Sportsmole: Chelsea 3-1 Bournemouth