da brwin： Although it didn’t seal the title mathematically, Chelsea’s victory over Manchester City on Wednesday has widely been hailed as the win that will get the Blues over the line. The win maintained the Londoners’ seven-point buffer at the summit of the division with just eight games to play, and given the pace Antonio Conte’s men have been going at it’s hard to see Spurs reeling them in.
da esport bet： The next test up for them is Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth, who earned themselves a good draw at Liverpool on earlier in the week. The Cherries have little to play for given that their solid season has moved them clear of the relegation battle, so Chelsea will fancy themselves heading to Dorset.
Now it’s all about getting more points on the board for Conte’s side, who will be taking each game as it comes as they aim for their fifth Premier League title. With that in mind, here is the XI they should field to sweep Bournemouth aside…
GK – Thibaut Courtois
Barring a late injury problem, Courtois will make his 31st Premier League appearance of the season at Bournemouth. The Belgian has been as solid as ever of late and offers the Chelsea backline real stability.
CB – Cesar Azpilicueta
Dropped in as the right-sided wing-back against Manchester City as Antonio Conte went for a more solid approach, Azpilicueta should return to the central trio in place of Kurt Zouma, who was withdrawn at half-time. The Spaniard’s ball-playing qualities have been a key part of Chelsea’s play all season and he remains one of the most underrated players in the Premier League.
CB – David Luiz
Few predicted that Luiz would impress to the degree he has upon his shock Chelsea return last summer, but as part of Conte’s back three he has the protection he’s often lacked in the past, allowing him to demonstrate his ability on the ball.
CB – Gary Cahill
The organiser of the Chelsea backline, Cahill may lack pace, but his reading of the game remains strong. He will have to ensure Josh King and Benik Afobe don’t isolate him one-on-one, as they boast the speed to highlight his flaws.
RWB – Victor Moses
Moses has been out of action in recent weeks through injury, but there is a chance the Nigerian could return in time for Bournemouth away, and Chelsea desperately need him. Pedro and Azpilicueta have filled in in his absence, but neither offer the same outlet he does.
CM – N’Golo Kante
His energy and work rate remain as key as ever to Chelsea and will be vital in a three game week for the Blues. The Frenchman covers so much ground and has been the bedrock for Conte’s XI all season.
CM – Nemanja Matic
Conte will need to freshen up his side a little after a draining midweek game and with Matic having only played the second 45 minutes against Man City he appears a logical choice. The Serbian lacks the guile of Cesc Fabregas in the middle of the pitch, but the Londoners are likely to have to battle hard on the south coast.
LWB – Marcos Alonso
Another impressive summer recruit, Alonso has silenced the critics he has upon his arrival with energetic displays on the left-flank, where his deliver and attacking intent have been vital for Conte. Getting the ball wide may be vital against
RF – Willian
As we mentioned before, Conte will need to freshen things up and with Willian only coming on as a late sub against Man City, the Brazilian should be able to inject some energy.
LF – Eden Hazard
Even though the games have been coming thick and fast, Conte will keep Hazard on the pitch, with the Belgian often injecting the creative edge that makes this Chelsea team what it is.
ST – Diego Costa
Costa is on a barren run by his standards with four goalless games on the spin to his name, but with little in the way of other options, Conte will lean on him once again. Costa game is not just about putting the ball in the net, though, with his combative approach one that tests opposition defences.