Thibaut Courtois is available follow a three month lay-off.
Nemanja Matic will play with a protective mask to defend his
broken nose.
Chelsea will however be without John Terry, Radamel Falcao
and Ramires who remain injured.
Eddie Howe has not confirmed if Artur Boruc and Adam
Federici are available meaning Ryan Allsop may add to his
45 minutes against Everton.
Match Preview
Jose Mourinho has praised Diego Coast in the build-up to
Saturday evening’s game. “There are no question marks. For
one game he was on the bench and for me, for a player, that
is natural. I don’t need a reaction.”
Costa was pictured leaving a nightclub in the same week
cameras caught him throw his bib towards Mourinho.
On its own this is fairly un-newsworthy but given the
Spaniard’s comparatively slow start, it’s yet another
distraction for Chelsea.
Chelsea are only five points above newly promoted
Bournemouth. A stat that many fans probably wouldn’t have
expected.
Despite being so close to last season’s winners, the Cherries
are in 18th place, three points from safety.
Bournemouth have the joint worst defensive records and
third lowest goal difference.
Eddie Howe has continually reiterated his side will continue
to play with attacking intent and purpose and intent despite
a more cautious approach.
The Stamford Bridge crowd will be expecting to see their
side easily collect three points. Something which
Bournemouth can use to their advantage.
This season has been characterised by away wins and
underdog victories. I wouldn’t rule out the chance of
Bournemouth returning south bring back one or maybe
three points.
Match Stats
Bournemouth have only been victorious once in their last
ten games, only two less than Chelsea. Only Aston Villa have
won less games.
These two sides have only played each other five times
including in the Zenith Data Systems Cups. This will be their
first top-flight meeting.
Likely Line-ups
Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Zouma, Cahill, Azpilicueta;
Mikel, Matic, Willian, Oscar, Pedro; Hazard
Bournemouth: Allsop; Francis, Smith, Distin, Daniels;
Ritchie, Gosling, Surman, Stanislas; Murray, King
