Careless defending saw Bournemouth concede 3 goals as they went down to a vibrant Southampton team last week, despite leading by a goal as early as the 6th minute. They next face Chelsea, who are on an 11-match winning streak and Eddie Howe will be attempting to pull one of the biggest upsets of the season on Boxing Day.
Although the Blues have won five of their last seven league fixtures against Bournemouth, they will surely have the shocking 1-0 defeat last season at the back of their head. Bournemouth goes to this game from the highest league position they have ever been at Christmas and will be all guns blazing against a strong Chelsea side.
And yet surprising fact states that the Cherries are unbeaten in each of their last six league games played on December 26th where they have only conceded 1 goal.
Bournemouth are currently in the 10th position and a huge credit for that goes to their home form this season. The Cherries have garnered 16 points from 9 home games this season so far, which is the 7th best home record in the league so far.
Here is our Predicted 4-3-3 Bournemouth Lineup Vs Chelsea.
Predicted 4-3-3 Bournemouth Lineup Vs Chelsea
Defence
Artur Boruc should start against Chelsea. The Polish goalkeeper has shown great composure in ball collection at times and Howe seems to have full trust in the player to get the job done against Chelsea.
Charlie Daniels is expected to start on the left flank. The English side back has been quite impressive this season and has even managed to score 2 goals in his 15 appearances. Skipper Simon Francis should take his position on the right flank. The team will need his leadership attributes against Chelsea and he will be covering for Hazard.
Marc Wilson and Steve Cook will again take their central defending roles. Chelsea have often found it hard to score against the defending side and Howe will have huge duties on the duo. Ake’s absence will be a huge miss for the Cherries as the player has really bloomed this season. He can’t play against his mother club though as the Premier League loan clause prohibit that.
