In an attempt to extend their impressive run of form, Chelsea will host Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge today. The Blues have been one of the best performing teams in the league this season and are one of only four clubs to have a 100% winning record thus far.
The West London giants will come into this fixture knowing they stand a great chance of moving to the top, should Liverpool, Watford, and Tottenham drop point this weekend. Alternatively, they could also secure top spot if they can register a big win on Saturday.
Bournemouth, on the other hand, have also done extremely well this season, securing two wins in three games. But, they are yet to face a top-tier rival and Chelsea, thus, could turn out to be a difficult challenge for the Cherries.
Here are three key personal duels that could decide the outcome of this fixture.
David Luiz vs Callum Wilson
Callum Wilson has by far been the best attacker for Bournemouth this season, scoring two goals in just three matches. He has also registered two assists, one of which came in the draw with Everton last week.
Therefore, it’s almost needless to say that the former Coventry City striker will be in charge of Bournemouth’s attacking unit this weekend along with Joshua King. The duo looked rather impressive against Everton and chances are that they will, in fact, continue their good form this weekend.
However, standing in Wilson’s way will be the intimidating David Luiz, who has surprisingly emerged as a key figure in the Chelsea defence under Maurizio Sarri.
The Brazilian has already built a formidable partnership with Antonio Rudiger and Wilson won’t find it easy.
Jorginho vs Jefferson Lerma
All eyes will be on Bournemouth’s latest addition Jefferson Lerma who is poised to make his Premier League debut this weekend. The Colombian international did feature in the midweek fixture against MK Dons, helping his club secure a 3:1 victory.
But, his ultimate test will be against Chelsea who have done incredibly well this season. And Jorginho, in that regard, has played a key role, stabilising the midfield with his excellent passing and ball circulation.
Now the onus will be on Jefferson Lerma to exercise his skills in tackling and reading the game in order to prevent Jorginho from taking control of the game. The Colombian has already shown what he is capable of during the 2018 FIFA World Cup but it remains to be seen if he can replicate that performance in the English top flight.
Eden Hazard vs Adam Smith
Adam Smith will return to the side this weekend, after serving a one-game suspension, which was completed in the midweek game against MK Dons.
But, the 27-year-old will be facing a daunting task of stopping the mercurial Eden Hazard. The Belgian international seems like the ideal attacker for Sarri-ball as he can press high up the pitch and is devastating in the attacking third when there is a turnover in possession.
He has already been involved in three goals in three matches so far and how well Adam Smith manages to stop this attacking superstar will go a long way in shaping the final result in this highly anticipated encounter.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored