AFC Bournemouth
The two teams will face off at Stamford Bridge for the second time already this season, as Chelsea and AFC Bournemouth were drawn against each other in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
The fixture is a repeat of last year, as the Cherries bid to make the semi-finals for the first time. Alvaro Morata’s last-minute winner was far from what Eddie Howe’s side deserved that day, but they’ll be looking to make up for it tomorrow.
Chelsea v AFC Bournemouth
Wednesday 19th December, 7.45pm
Carabao Cup
Stamford Bridge
Last time out
Brighton & Hove Albion 1-2 Chelsea
First-half goals from Pedro and Eden Hazard ensured that Maurizio Sarri’s side bagged all three points at the AMEX on Sunday.
Solly March pulled one back for the hosts to set up a nervy final 20 minutes, while Chelsea were forced to take off star man Hazard late on due to a tackle from Dale Stephens.
The wins means that the Blues sit fourth in the Premier League table, eight points off Liverpool in top spot.
Chelsea: Kepa, Azpilicueta, Rudiger, David Luiz, Alonso, Kante, Jorginho, Kovatic (Barkley 75), Pedro (Loftus-Cheek 66), Willian, Hazard (Giroud 83)
2018/19 top scorer: Eden Hazard (nine goals)
Injury news
Speaking earlier today, assistant manager Gianfranco Zola reported that Alvaro Morata will not feature for Chelsea against the Cherries, having twisted his knee against Mol Vidi in the Europa League. Additionally, Eden Hazard remains a doubt and will be assessed ahead of the game.
As for the Cherries, Lewis Cook, Dan Gosling and Adam Smith all remain out, while a decision will be made on Callum Wilson, Simon Francis and Tyrone Mings.
The manager
Maurizio Sarri made the transition into football coaching in 1999 at the rather late age of 40. Since then, he has managed no less than 19 clubs, his latest before Chelsea being Italian giants Napoli.
An amateur footballer for Figline in his day, the 59 year old has Chelsea performing well in the Premier League, with their only loss in the competition this season coming to Wolves. An impressive 2-0 win over Manchester City proved what his side was capable of and there’s no doubt he’ll be after some silverware in his opening season in England.
Key stat
The Cherries have reached the League Cup quarter-finals for the second successive season, having only reached this stage of the competition once in their previous 57 attempts.
