By Alex Roberts
Chelsea have been smash and seize 1-0 victors within the reverse fixture, because of Christopher Nkunku’s fancy footwork and a few Robert Sánchez heroics. Bournemouth have learnt quite a bit since then, beating 4 of the standard ‘prime six.’
Each side scored 5 objectives of their weekend FA Cup third spherical triumphs, though Bournemouth’s got here in opposition to stronger opposition. Winless of their final 4 Premier League video games, Chelsea have to get again heading in the right direction.
Enzo Maresca’s unimaginable activity
The Chelsea boss has confessed it’s ‘unimaginable’ to maintain all of Chelsea’s superstars completely satisfied in his pre-match press convention, with many clamouring for a transfer within the January switch window in pursuit of normal minutes.
As has been the case all season, most of Chelsea’s most well-liked league eleven received a relaxation within the 5-0 win over Morecambe. Solely Pedro Neto, Jadon Sancho, and Marc Cucurella of Maresca’s most well-liked aspect featured within the FA Cup.
It stays to be seen what the Chelsea squad will appear to be come the top of January, however one factor stays sure, Ben Chilwell received’t get any minutes.
Bournemouth’s striker damage disaster
Each Enes Ünal and Evanilson are set for prolonged spells on the sideline, with the Turkish star tearing his ACL and the Brazilian breaking his leg. Luis Sinisterra, though a winger, is able to taking part in up prime, however yep, he’s additionally out.
Bournemouth have recalled Daniel Jebbison from Watford, however with zero objectives in his ten video games for the Hornets, expectations are low. After all, which means we’ve jinxed it. Sorry Chelsea followers, he’s going to bag a hattrick!
Each of Bournemouth’s prime two aim scorers, Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo are wingers, so Andoni Iraola’s aspect do nonetheless have some firepower, however the lack of a focus could also be a difficulty.
Is Reece James lastly again!?
Oh Reece James. It’s a narrative that’s been written time and time once more, like a highschool depiction of Romeo and Juliet set in gangland Chicago. He began in opposition to Morecambe, however as historical past has informed, that doesn’t imply he’ll be beginning in opposition to Bournemouth.
The Chelsea captain impressed within the FA Cup, offering the best help of his life for Tosin Adarabioyo’s first aim, in addition to successful 100% of his tackles, 100% of his aerial duels, and making three recoveries.
Malo Gusto changed him at halftime, so Maresca is clearly nonetheless airing on the aspect of warning. Let’s hope THIS is the time James really makes his comeback.
The Premier League’s finest left-back… perhaps
Milos Kerkes is implausible; it’s no shock the vultures are beginning to circle. The Hungarian isn’t simply strong defensively, making 23 interceptions, 90 recoveries, and successful possession within the remaining third seven occasions, he’s a real attacking risk.
With three assists, he’s Bournemouth’s joint-second supplier, alongside Lewis Cook dinner and Dango Ouattara. Whoever Chelsea play reverse him, they’re in for a busy evening, that’s for certain.
Prediction
Bournemouth’s latest file in opposition to greater sides and Chelsea’s latest file may simply swing it for the South Coast membership, we’re going to go together with 2-1 for the guests.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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