Is a home win against Chelsea finally possible?

Bournemouth have not managed to beat Chelsea at home in the three previous Premier League games, but this could be their best chance with Chelsea coming off he back of two cup games in the last few days. Maurizio Sarri will no doubt make changes from his large squad to try and keep his strongest side ready for Bournemouth, but Eddie Howe will plan to attack and motivate his players to get that first win against a top six side this season.

Bournemouth take on Chelsea again hoping for a different outcome.

Most of the Chelsea talk has been about the performances of Eden Hazard since their Carabao Cup success against Tottenham last Thursday night. I don't expect Bournemouth believe they can win the game unless they come up with some kind of plan to keep him from causing problems. He turned the last game against Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup in December and he is the type of player that can just make the difference in these games. Perhaps Bournemouth will be spared the presence of Higuain having seen him play a full game on Sunday in the FA Cup. Higuain could be on the bench though and will want to get his first Chelsea goal as quickly as possible.

But if Bournemouth know where their main problems are going to come they also have to believe that their newly structured defence, with Boruc in goal and Nathaniel Clyne on the right, can be as compact as they were against West Ham. Back-to-back clean sheets have not been a feature of Bournemouth's season, and the top six have really battered Bournemouth's goal difference. So can this game be different?

Advertisement

Coastal Garden Buildings

Bournemouth will be pleased they still miraculously have Jefferson Lerma sitting on his last yellow card, and the team really needs a fully-fit Callum Wilson to have that finishing presence on the pitch to cause panic in Chelsea's defence. Eddie Howe needs all his players to step up for a big performance, and under the lights at Dean Court should be a special atmosphere. A win would certainly spark some excitement into an end of season race to try and beat the club's top nine finish.

AFCB Home Form
WLWDW

Chelsea Away Form
LWWWL

Other news
Club ownership has changed. Peak 6 has sold its 25 per cent shares in the club. AFCB Enterprises Ltd -Maxim Demin's company - now fully owns AFCB again.