Bournemouth vs Chelsea
Premier League 2018-19
Venue: Vitality Stadium
Date: Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Kick-off: 7:45pm GMT
Chelsea switch their attentions back to the race for a Premier League top-four finish after sailing through to the fifth round of the FA Cup at the weekend.
FA Cup holders Chelsea beat Sheffield Wednesday 3-0 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday to reach the last 16 of the competition, with Gonzalo Higuain making his debut for the club.
Loanee Higuain could well start again for Maurizio Sarri's Blues on Tuesday night as they face a trip to Bournemouth - and Eddie Howe's side are unlikely to be as easy to beat as Wednesday were.
Chelsea team news and predicted line-ups
Sarri has no current injury absences to worry about, though Willian took a knock late on against Sheffield Wednesday.
Higuain should lead the line once again, though it depends on the Argentine's fitness levels.
Chelsea XI: Kepa, Azpilicueta, Luiz, Rudiger, Alonso, Jorginho, Kante, Barkley, Hazard, Higuain, Willian
Score prediction: Bournemouth 1-2 Chelsea
It is tough to predict which sort of Bournemouth team will turn up given their entertainingly inconsistent form this season. The Cherries are currently 12th in the table, but sit just three points off seventh place.
Howe's side have scored 33 goals this season - only seven fewer than Chelsea - but have conceded 42, with only four teams letting in more.
Chelsea have the third-tightest defence in the top flight, but goals have been a problem - hence Higuain's arrival. If Bournemouth open up, then Sarri's side should have enough quality to see off the hosts.
Bournemouth vs Chelsea tickets
To check ticket availability click here to head to Chelsea's website.
Betting tips via Betfair | UK users only | Subject to change
Match odds
- Chelsea to win: 9/2
- Draw: 16/5
- Bournemouth to win: 4/6
First goalscorer odds
- Eden Hazard: 4/1
- Gonzalo Higuain: 4/1
- Callum Wilson: 7/1
- Olivier Giroud: 9/2
Click here to find the latest match odds and place a bet.
TV channel and live stream, and online coverage
The match will not be televised live in the UK. You can follow all the action with Standard Sport's LIVE blog.
Head to Head record and history (h2h)
The teams have met seven times in the Premier League, with Chelsea winning five times and Bournemouth twice.
The Blues won their last meeting this season - 2-0 at Stamford Bridge in September - but were thrashed 3-0 at home last January.
