Chelsea
aim to continue their recent upturn in form when they play host to
Bournemouth on
Saturday Night Football, live on
Sky Sports 1 HD
from 5pm.
Jose Mourinho's side are unbeaten in their last three games, winning twice,
leading to suggestions that the reigning Premier League champions may
finally be getting their season back on track.
Bournemouth have also shown signs they could be finding form with a 2-2 draw
against Swansea ending a run of five consecutive defeats before producing a
stunning comeback to draw 3-3 with Everton.
A win for the Cherries could lift them out of the relegation places and take
them to within two points of Chelsea while a fourth home league win for the
Blues could see them climb to to 13th.
Team news
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is in contention to return following a
three-month absence.
Courtois could displace Asmir Begovic after recovering from his knee injury,
while striker Diego Costa could also return after being unhappy at not
featuring at Tottenham last Sunday.
Mourinho had hoped to have captain John Terry, Ramires and Radamel Falcao
available, but the trio remain out.
Bournemouth's Artur Boruc is troubled by a groin injury, while Adam Federici
has an ankle problem and Howe is keeping his cards close to his chest on the
fitness of the pair.
The Cherries currently have 10 players on the injured list and although Marc
Pugh (Achilles) has started running again, he remains short of match
fitness. Harry Arter (hamstring) is unavailable for selection.
Opta stats
Chelsea have won their last three competitive meetings with Bournemouth
without conceding a goal, but the Cherries have won on four of their last
five league trips to London.
Bournemouth have used 14 English players in the Premier League this season;
more than any other club.
Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 43 home league games against
newly-promoted teams (W37 D6), last losing to top-flight new-boys in April
2001 (0-1 v Charlton).
Dan Gosling ranks both one and two in terms of most distance covered in a
single Premier League game this season (13.9km vs Everton and 13.8km vs
Sunderland).
Eden Hazard is one goal away from hitting 50 for Chelsea in all
competitions, but he is without a goal in his last 24 games for the Blues
(in all competitions).
Ten of Bournemouth's 17 Premier League goals this season have come within
the first 30 minutes of their games, a league-high tally.
Merson's predictions
Diego Costa has to play for Chelsea. If he doesn't, I think Bournemouth
could get something. Eddie Howe could set them up to squash the play and
force Chelsea into playing it long. If they are forced to go long, Hazard,
Pedro, Willian, and Oscar are not going to win any balls.
Bournemouth will be buoyed by the late goal they got against Everton. It was
a big goal and something they can build on but it's not ideal for them to
have to travel to Stamford Bridge straight away.
If Howe can get his tactics right and press Chelsea, they will cause
Mourinho's side a few problems. If they don't, it will be a comfortable win
for the home side.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0
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