PREMIER LEAGUE
December 5, 2015 • 17:30 • Stamford Bridge, London
Referee: M. Jones
Chelsea – AFC Bournemouth Preview
The last match of Saturday’s Premier league action brings the clash between league bottom sides. And while it was expected that AFC Bournemouth will fight for Premier league survival this season, no one could predict for the reigning champions this situation. Chelsea currently sit on the 14th place having 5 points more than the 18th placed AFC Bournemouth. Guests are without a win for the last 5 Premier league games, while Chelsea after celebrating with a minimum home win vs Norwich City, 1-0, in last round at Tottenham played a goalless draw. It’s clear that Blues’ ambitions are much higher, and this is a must win game for them, because if Mourinho’s side continues to struggle, they could end the season without playing in any Europa competitions next season.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho spoke on Friday (4th December) about facing newly promoted Bournemouth in the English Premier League.
Jose Mourinho, Chelsea manager (on not needing a reaction from Diego Costa)
“I think he always tries to give his best. Sometimes he plays phenomenal, sometimes not so well but he’s the kind of player that always tries so I don’t have the problem that I need a reaction from him. I just need him to be what he is and to always try hard, sometimes with goals and good performances, sometimes not so good but that’s normal.”
Chelsea manager (on Bournemouth playing well but missing Callum Wilson)
“Yes, brilliant work last season. Last season they did really well to get promoted, I think it was a fantastic season for them and obviously Premier League is a bit different but they believe in what they do, they believe in themselves. I can’t forget that because they deserve that respect. I know what it’s like to lose a very important player for a long period of time like what happened to us with (Thibaut) Courtois. I can imagine for a club like Bournemouth to lose (Callum) Wilson to be out for such a long period of time is also a big blow. But they play well and when you play well you can get good results.”
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe spoke on Friday (4th December) about his team’s upcoming Premier League clashes with Chelsea and Manchester United.
Eddie Howe, Bournemouth manager (on playing Chelsea):
“It certainly looks like they’re back to their normal selves. In terms of their defensive structures, the way they played against Tottenham, I thought defensively they were excellent. I don’t think you can doubt their attacking quality, then you look at the players they’ve got, you know sooner or later they’re going to score goals. Maybe from that perspective we’re meeting them two or three weeks too late but I think from our perspective we’re meeting them at a good time. I think we’re in a good place and what we’ve found at this level is if we’re in a good place and we perform we compete. If we don’t and we’re off our usual selves then these games can be difficult for us. As always when we’re preparing for a game it’s all about us.”
Probable Lineups
Chelsea: Begović (Courtois) – Ivanović, Cahill, Zouma, Azpilicueta – Matić, Fabregas – Pedro, Willian, Hazard – Diego Costa
AFC Bournemouth: Allsopp – Smith, Francis, Distin, Daniels – Gosling, Surman – Ritchie, Arter, Stanislas – King