The Blues are hoping to continue their good form when they take on Bournemouth at 5:30pm today. The Cherries are currently sitting 18th in the league, with key players having picked up serious injuries, but morale could be high after coming back from 2-0 down to draw 3-3 against Everton.
Chelsea may have one eye on their midweek game against Porto which could determine whether they make it into the Champions League knock-out stage, so could play a slightly rotated team this weekend.
Striker
ST – Costa:Â The controversial striker has been in the news once again after his bib throwing antics against Spurs where he attempted to throw his bib at Jose Mourinho after being dropped, the Spanish forward refused to warm up before the game and during half time, this got the media questioning the striker’s relationship with the manager, but expect the Brazilian born, Spanish international to regain his spot and be fired up this evening.
Midfielders
LM – Hazard: The PFA player of the year has been off the pace this season but since his return from the international break, he looks to back to his best and is in need of a goal, that could bring back his full confidence.
CAM – Oscar: Oscar had a reasonable game against Spurs where he went from playing football to playing panna, nutmegging/humiliating two spurs players and could keep his place against Bournemouth.
RM – Willian: The Brazilian is the first name on the team sheet this season with his quick feat and sensational free-kicks has saved Chelsea on a number of occasions. If there is a free-kick in shooting range expect Willian to score it.
CDM’s – RLC + Matic: Matic is another player who is starting to pick up his form and will obviously maintain who starting spot, Fabregas has been in awful form recently and could be finally dropped today but who will his replacement be? Loftus-Cheek could be contention as this would be the perfect game for his development, after a brief cameo appearance against Spurs last weekend it could mean he is back in the fold and may start this evening.
Defenders
RB – Ivanovic: Ivanovic has a great game against Spurs and looks to be getting back to his old self, Bournemouth are the perfect side for the Serbian as he will be allowed to attack more and could cause an added threat to the away side’s defence.
CB’s – Cahill + Zouma: Both defenders played incredibly well against high flying Tottenham last weekend and could maintain their places despite John Terry returning from an injury he picked up against Tel-Aviv.
LB – Azpilicueta: This is hard one as both fullbacks which relish in this game but with Baba Rahman mainly playing in the Champions league, Azpilicueta will most likely get the nod.
Goalkeeper
Courtois: The 6 ft 6 Belgian goalkeeper is finally back from injury and could walk straight back into the side, despite Begovic’s great form this season, Mourinho will want to have his star keeper back and the defence will enjoy having him back as well.
