Just three points separate Chelsea and Bournemouth as the two sides face off at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday. Defeat would likely see Enzo Maresca’s side all out of the top four, while Bournemouth could establish themselves as genuine Champions League contenders.
By Alex Roberts
Chelsea were smash and grab 1-0 victors in the reverse fixture, thanks to Christopher Nkunku’s fancy footwork and some Robert Sánchez heroics. Bournemouth have learnt a lot since then, beating four of the traditional ‘top six.’
Both sides scored five goals in their weekend FA Cup third round triumphs, although Bournemouth’s came against stronger opposition. Winless in their last four Premier League games, Chelsea need to get back on the right track.
Enzo Maresca’s impossible task
The Chelsea boss has confessed it’s ‘impossible’ to keep all of Chelsea’s superstars happy in his pre-match press conference, with many clamouring for a move in the January transfer window in pursuit of regular minutes.
As has been the case all season, most of Chelsea’s preferred league eleven got a rest in the 5-0 win over Morecambe. Only Pedro Neto, Jadon Sancho, and Marc Cucurella of Maresca’s preferred side featured in the FA Cup.
It remains to be seen what the Chelsea squad will look like come the end of January, but one thing remains certain, Ben Chilwell won’t get any minutes.
Bournemouth’s striker injury crisis
Both Enes Ünal and Evanilson are set for lengthy spells on the sideline, with the Turkish star tearing his ACL and the Brazilian breaking his leg. Luis Sinisterra, although a winger, is capable of playing up top, but yep, he’s also out.
Bournemouth have recalled Daniel Jebbison from Watford, but with zero goals in his ten games for the Hornets, expectations are low. Of course, that means we’ve jinxed it. Sorry Chelsea fans, he’s going to bag a hattrick!
Both of Bournemouth’s top two goal scorers, Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo are wingers, so Andoni Iraola’s side do still have some firepower, but the lack of a focal point may be an issue.
Is Reece James finally back!?
Oh Reece James. It’s a story that’s been written time and time again, like a high school depiction of Romeo and Juliet set in gangland Chicago. He started against Morecambe, but as history has told, that doesn’t mean he’ll be starting against Bournemouth.
The Chelsea captain impressed in the FA Cup, providing the easiest assist of his life for Tosin Adarabioyo’s first goal, as well as winning 100% of his tackles, 100% of his aerial duels, and making three recoveries.
Malo Gusto replaced him at halftime, so Maresca is clearly still airing on the side of caution. Let’s hope THIS is the time James truly makes his comeback.
The Premier League’s best left-back… maybe
Milos Kerkes is fantastic; it’s no surprise the vultures are starting to circle. The Hungarian isn’t just solid defensively, making 23 interceptions, 90 recoveries, and winning possession in the final third seven times, he’s a genuine attacking threat.
With three assists, he’s Bournemouth’s joint-second provider, alongside Lewis Cook and Dango Ouattara. Whoever Chelsea play opposite him, they’re in for a busy night, that’s for sure.
Prediction
Bournemouth’s recent record against bigger sides and Chelsea’s recent record might just swing it for the South Coast club, we’re going to go with 2-1 for the visitors.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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