Chelsea welcome Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day in search for their 12th straight win in the Premier League. Antonio Conte’s men are heavy favorites for the three points and will surely be very motivated to further cement themselves at the top of the table.
If Chelsea win on Monday, they would only be two wins away from equaling Arsenal’s record of 14 straight Premier League wins between February 10th 2002 and August 24th 2002.
Bournemouth are slowly establishing themselves as a Premier League mainstay and are currently sitting 10th in the table with 21 points from 17 games. However, Eddie Howe’s men will have to be on the top of their games in terms of precision and concentration if they want to end Chelsea’s winning run.
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian is definitely one of the best goalkeepers in the league and the media speculation about a potential move to Real Madrid next summer is unlikely to cost him his place in the starting eleven.
Central defenders: David Luiz, Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta
No surprises here. Conte’s defensive trio has been one of the main reasons behind Chelsea’s impressive winning run.
Right wing-back: Victor Moses
3 goals and 1 assist in 16 Premier League appearances for Moses this season. The Nigeria international has firmly established himself in Conte’s first-team plans.
Central midfielders: N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic
Conte’s preferred midfield duo will once again be tasked with dominating the middle of the pitch with their aggressiveness and fantastic reading of the game.
Left wing-back: Marcos Alonso
The Spaniard will have plenty of chances to attack against Bournemouth as the Cherries’ right wing isn’t their main attacking strength.
Right winger: Pedro Rodriguez
Pedro was an unused substitute at Selhurst Park last weekend, but is expected to return to Conte’s starting line-up on Monday as Willian failed to impress against Palace.
Left winger: Eden Hazard
Hazard, who has scored 8 goals in 16 league games so far this season, has been struggling with a knee injury in the past few days, but is expected to recover in time for Monday’s game.
Striker: Diego Costa
Costa was once again the hero for his team against Palace last weekend, scoring the winning goal in the 44th minute at Selhurst Park. Bournemouth are not known for their solid defense, so Costa could have a field day on Monday.
Formation: 3-4-3
