Chelsea will be looking to create their own club-record of 12 wins in a row and move one step closer to rivals Arsenal’s Premier League record of 14 wins in a row when they host Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day.
With the kind of form the Blues are in, they look unbeatable at the moment but Bournemouth are certainly a team who can upset the West London side. They are a competitive side with a never say never kind of attitude and are in a pretty decent form this season.
Chelsea have won five of their previous seven games in all competitions against Bournemouth, losing the other two. However, the Cherries did beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last season 1-0, thanks to a goal from Glenn Murray. Chelsea’s record on the Boxing Day is pretty good, though. They have never lost a Boxing Day fixture since being beaten by Charlton 4-2 in 2003.
Bournemouth will also fancy their chances seeing their record on this special day. They are unbeaten in each of their last six league games played on December 26th (W4 D2 L0) and they have only conceded one goal in these games. Overall, we can expect a cracker of a game when the two sides lock horns.
Related Reading: 3 Battles Chelsea Have To Win Vs Bournemouth To Keep Their Winning Streak Going
Team news
Chelsea
John Terry is still unavailable but Eden Hazard is set to recover from the knee injury he suffered earlier this month. Diego Costa and N’Golo Kante are both suspended which will be concerning Conte. Michy Batshuayi seems to be the obvious choice to replace Costa but Pedro is also an option in a false nine role.
We expect Fabregas to get a start in place of suspended Kante but replacing the French midfield dynamo is close to impossible.
Bournemouth
Lewis Cook is a long-term absentee but Junior Stanislas and Andrew Surman are both closing in on a return to fitness. Nathan Ake will be unavailable to play against his parent club as per the loan agreement.
