Premier League
Bournemouth vs Chelsea Preview
- Date: Jan. 30, 2019
- Time: 2:45 p.m. (est)
- Network: NBC Sports Network, UNIVERSO
- Location: Bournemouth, England
- Venue: Vitality Stadium
- Seating Capacity: 11,464
Bournemouth will welcome Chelsea at the Vitality Stadium Wednesday night.
Additionally, the Blues are unbeaten in their last five matches at the Cherries, including two encounters this season.
However, the Dorset side looks to gain some ground in their hopes to getting to European slots in the standings and their three-game winning streak.
Views From Both Camps
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe:
“We know we’ll have to be at our best if we’re to get something from Chelsea.”
“Yes, there’s been some talk about Chelsea and their performances, but every time we’ve come up against them they’re one of the best.”
The Cherries have made three signings this January transfer line. They have added defender Nathaniel Clyne from Liverpool, Christ Mepham and Dominic Solanke from Chelsea.
Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri on Callum Hudson-Odoi’s future:
“On the pitch he’s doing very well. I’m really very happy with him.”
“It’s not easy to keep these young players. He is of course one of the best 18-year-old players in Europe, so it’s very, very difficult.”
“The club told me he’s out of the market for sure and probably he will be out of the market in July.”
Meanwhile, Sarri is set to give Gonzalo Higuaín his first Premier League minutes. The Blues have had a successful house cleaning this winter transfer session as they shipped out Alvaro Morata, Victor Moses, and Cesc Fabregas. Gary Cahill and Danny Drinkwater are set to follow soon after.
Possible Lineup
Chelsea XI: Arrizabalaga; Emerson, David Luiz, Rüdiger, Azpilicueta; Barkley, Jorginho, Kanté; Hazard, Higuaín, Pedro.
Bournemouth XI: Boruc; Clyne, Cook, Ake, Smith; Fraser, Lerma, Gosling, Brooks; Wilson, King.
Prediction
This will be the fifteenth time these two sides meet in all competitions. The Cherries are an entertaining team to watch, however their defensive woes have them where they’re at. Chelsea, will try to maintain their standings in fourth place and climb up after Manchester City took a loss against Newcastle United. Additionally, Arsenal is right behind Chelsea and a loss could send them back to fifth place.
Bournemouth 1 – 2 Chelsea
