Chelsea take on Bournemouth in gameweek 15 of the Premier League this season, with their sights set on nothing but picking up all the three points.
The defending EPL champions have been unable to get a proper hold on their season yet, and Jose Mourinho's side will be looking to overturn their forgetful start to the season, with some good performances in the remainder of the matches. The Blues have picked up just four wins from 14 games so far, and they currently lie in the 14th spot.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, may look the weaker side on paper, but will be hoping to get above the relegation zone with a favourable result today at the Stamford Bridge. The Cherries have notched just two wins this season, and are currently 18th in the table. The loss of key striker Callum Wilson in September this year has really hurt the team.
Nevertheless, they will be still keeping their hopes up to avoid relegation at any cost at the end of the season.
For Mourinho, positivity remains the key after three good results in all competitions. The Blues made a turnaround of sorts following last month's international break as they picked up a 1-0 victory over Norwich in the Premier League on 21 November, and a huge 4-0 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv in the UEFA Champions League.
Mourinho's side also bagged a point against Tottenham Hotspur in a goalless draw last weekend in EPL. "If we can get a result against Bournemouth it'll be four good matches in a row. And it's been a long time since we managed that," said the Portuguese coach.
For Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe, it is a huge task of getting the team back to shape amidst a lot of injuries to key players. "Whenever you get injuries, it is a test and a challenge for your squad to adapt," Howe said. "Certain people have been given opportunities that maybe would not have expected to get them, but they have grasped them in recent weeks. I think whoever is called upon will step up and help the team."
Team news
Chelsea: Thibaut Courtois will make his much-awaited return today, after a successful knee surgery, while influential defender John Terry continues to be on the sidelines after picking up an ankle injury. Ramires and Radamel Falcao also stay on the sidelines owing to their injuries.
Bournemouth: Midfielder Harry Arter (hamstring), Marc Pugh (ankle), Tommy Elphick (ankle), Max Gradel, Tyrone Mings (both knee), and Christian Atsu (calf), apart from Wilson, are all set to miss today's game.
Possible starting XI
Chelsea: Courtois; Zouma, Cahill, Ivanovic, Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Willian, Hazard, Oscar; Diego Costa.
Bournemouth: Allsop; Cook, Distin, Francis, Daniels; Gosling, Surman, Ritchie, Stanislas; Tomlin, King.
Where to watch the game
Chelsea vs Bournemouth is scheduled to kick-off at 5:30 pm GMT (11 pm IST, 12:30 pm EST) on Saturday, 5 December.
In India, viewers can catch the game on Star Sports 4 and Star Sports HD 4. Online streaming will be available on Starsports.com and Hotstar (delayed start).
In the UK and Ireland, viewers can catch the game on Sky Sports 1/HD and Now TV. Online streaming will be available on Sky Go and Sky Go Extra. Radio commentary of the game will be available on TalkSport Radio.
In the US, viewers can catch the game on the NBC Sports Network. Online streaming will be available on NBC Sports Live Extra. Radio commentary of the game will be available on Westwood One Sports.
Chelsea TV and TalkSport Radio will also broadcast the game live.
