Carabao Cup
Chelsea vs AFC Bournemouth Preview
- Date: Dec. 19, 2018
- Time: 2:45 p.m. (est)
- Network: ESPN+
- Location: London, England
- Venue: Stamford Bridge
- Seating Capacity: 82,905
After losing to the Wolves several weeks back, Chelsea are back on the winning side in league action. They will host the Cherries at Stamford Bridge for the second year in a row in this competition.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth have struggled since defeating Huddersfield in early December. However, they are looking forward to making history as they have never made past the quarterfinals.
Team News
With Alvaro Morata out with a knee injury, Olivier Giroud could be Chelsea’s only attacking option. Additionally, Eden Hazard is in doubt while Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Cesc Fabregas could feature.
The Cherries have several doubts with captain SImon Francis, striker Callum Wilson and defender Tyrone Mings. Additionally, Lewis Cook, Adam Smith and Dan Gosling will remain sideline with injuries of their own.
Possible Lineups
Chelsea XI: Kepa; Zappacosta, Rudiger, Christensen, Emerson; Fabregas, Kante, Barkley; Loftus-Cheek, Giroud, Hudson-Odoi.
Bournemouth XI: Begovic; S Cook, Ake, Daniels; Stanislas, Surman, Lerma, Brooks, Rico; Wilson, King.
Prediction
The Cherries have never made it past the quarterfinals in this competition in its 119-year history. Additionally, the Cherries have lost all of their League Cup meetings against Chelsea. Nevertheless, they will seek to make history if they can reach the semifinals for the first time.
Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri seeks his first silverware since joining Chelsea. Additionally, Chelsea’s phenomenal start of the season has been greatly in part to their success at home.
Chelsea are heavy favorites to win the game.
Chelsea 2 – 0 AFC Bournemouth
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