Maurizio Sarri’s unbeaten Chelsea host Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth as the Blues hope to continue a near perfect start under their new boss.
Chelsea, who currently sit in third place behind both Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, have been widely impressive under Sarri with a 3-2 victory over Arsenal the highlight of the team’s proceedings so far.
The Cherries, who currently sit in sixth, have also had a similarly good start in the new campaign with wins against Cardiff and West Ham. They recently could only manage a 2-2 draw against Marco Silva’s Everton, with Richarlison and Adam Smith sent off for both sides.
Make no mistake, Bournemouth may be the 2018/19 season’s dark horses. This can be largely attributed to the form of Callum Wilson, who has netted twice so far this season, always looking a goal threat in every match he plays.
The Blues will have to watch out for former Chelsea man Nathan Ake, too, who has also started the season off well. The Dutch defender has scored once so far this campaign but has earned rave reviews for his performances in defence.
Chelsea will also reunite with former keeper Asmir Begovic, who spent two seasons at the Bridge.
Additionally, for the Blues, it could be a chance to use some of the fringe members of the squad, including England international Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who has found minutes hard to come by at Stamford Bridge so far this term.
Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Bournemouth
I do think that the Blues will have enough firepower to beat the South Coast side, however, it is hard to ignore the threat that Callum Wilson has and I wouldn’t surprised if Chelsea’s defence switches off, if only for as second, allowing Wilson to pounce.
