The Blues have a chance to continue their positive momentum when Bournemouth make the journey to Stamford Bridge tomorrow night.
Confidence is slowly beginning to creep back into the Chelsea camp after a shambolic early 2015-16 run. Recording three-games unbeaten on return from the latest international break has lifted some of the mounting pressure on Jose Mourinho and his players, but only dominant performances in fixtures such as these will truly silence the critics. The ‘Special One’ lauded his team’s efforts against the Spurs last weekend as the best the reigning champions have looked all season and having taken a point away from White Hart Lane was a satisfactory result for many of the blue faithful, who have climbed slightly up the ladder to 14th spot.
18th placed Bournemouth are on an undefeated run of their own since the early-November break, although they have had to snatch a draw from difficult positions in both games against Swansea and Everton. The Merseysiders’ trip to Dean Court last weekend may go down as the most dramatic match of the season. After Everton were 2-0 up goals from Adam Smith and Junior Stanislas levelled the scores with only minutes left, but a 95th minute strike from Ross Barkley looked to have cancelled out the Cherries’ late efforts. An overzealous celebration from the visitors would lead to further time being added on, however, where Stanislas’ second would provide a jaw-dropping 98th minute conclusion.
Key Battle – Eden Hazard vs Junior Stanislas
An upturn in Chelsea’s confidence has also seen a spring return to the step of Eden Hazard. Though still by no means anywhere close to his form of last season, the Belgian was given the opportunity to show his versatility by playing as a makeshift striker in the absence of Diego Costa from last weekend’s squad. Looking better with the ball at his feet as each week passes, Hazard did get chances to run at the Tottenham defence and had a golden chance with a header. One would expect that he will get even more sights on goal against the Cherries’ backline which has conceded five in the last two outings, no matter where Mourinho decides to feature him in the attack.
Chelsea’s defence has looked equally fragile at times this season though and having netted a match-saving brace in the last outing, Stanislas will want to shock the Premier League again by devastating the reigning champions. The 26-year-old had four shots on goal in total against Everton and created another two chances for his teammates, his accuracy at all times with the ball always able to generate momentum for Bournemouth. Stanislas getting into a counter-attacking rhythm with Matt Ritchie on the opposite wing may be the best chance at taking any rewards from this match for Eddie Howe.
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Team News
Jose Mourinho is rather spoilt for choice coming into this fixture, as both Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao come back into contention for the recently controversial striker’s role having recovered from respective injuries. The snubbing of Costa at White Hart Lane has been downplayed by both manager and player, yet speculation is rampant of a feud between the two. Hazard could lead the attack again, but expect the fiery Spaniard to make a comfortable return. Thibaut Courtois should slot back in between the posts, while the exclusion of John Terry due to injury will see Kurt Zouma partnering Gary Cahill.
On the other hand, injuries continue to plague Eddie Howe and will leave the Cherries with their third-choice goalkeeper for this match as both Artur Boruc and Adam Federici take up positions in the stands. 23-year-old Ryan Allsop is the likely candidate to take up the gloves, while attacker Harry Arter looks doubtful with a hamstring problem.
Head-to-head
A short history between these clubs has seen just five encounters dating back to 1988, where Bournemouth would record their only victory against the Blues so far, who have won the other four.
Previous Meeting
Chelsea claimed a 1-0 victory over the Cherries in the 1994 League Cup, a match which holds the South London club record for lowest home attendance (8.9.74) still to this day.
Prediction
Comments coming from the reigning champions in the lead up to this game give the impression that they know this is not just a must-win game, but one in which they must earn back some respect from the rest of the competition. Expect an aggressive Chelsea to stamp their dominance early and put the icing on the cake in the latter stages.
Chelsea 3 AFC Bournemouth 0
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