This season has been so frustrating for Chelsea and their fans. Poor form, too many injuries, seemingly horrible chemistry in the team, both among the players and between the dressing room and Jose Mourinho -- it’s an absolute mess, and one that they’re struggling to pull out of. They’re in 14th place, and just five points clear of the relegation zone. They’re nowhere near pulling back into the chase for the top four, and look far adrift of the team that won the league last season.
Chelsea vs. Bournemouth 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch EPL online
Chelsea are still struggling to maintain any kind of momentum this season, but a match against injury-shattered Bournemouth might help them turn things around.
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
But this weekend they’re facing Bournemouth, and that looks like a good chance to get another win. The Cherries started out the season as the most exciting of the three promoted teams this season, but injuries have left them badly depleted and struggling for any kind of positive form. They are coming off successive draws with Everton and Bournemouth, but still don’t look like a team that can really hang with the team that Chelsea should be if they play well.
Key player -- Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
Hazard has been moved around quite a bit from his traditional role on the left wing in recent weeks, first to the number 10 role behind the striker and then into a false nine role in their last match against Tottenham this past weekend. Chelsea couldn’t win that game, but Hazard did well into the role he was forced into by Falcao’s injury and Diego Costa getting benched. No matter where he’s played in this match, though, Chelsea need him to be at his best, because they are a much, much better team with him playing well than if he’s not.
Key factor -- Focus, focus, focus
All season long, the song has remained the same. When Chelsea stay focused and actually play like the team they are, they play extraordinarily well. When they don’t have that focus, they’re a sloppy mess that can’t play like anything remotely resembling a cohesive unit. And when Chelsea don’t play like a cohesive unit, they are far too easy to pick apart and turn into three more points to add to your season’s tally.
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: John Terry, Ramires, Radamel Falcao In doubt: Nemanja Matic, Thibaut Courtois
AFC Bournemouth injuries and suspensions
Out: Adam Federici, Harry Arter, Artur Boruc, Marc Pugh, Christian Atsu, Callum Wilson, Tommy Elphick, Max Gradel, Tyrone Mings In doubt: Lee Tomlin
While Chelsea’s injuries are decidedly unpleasant for their depth, Bournemouth are absolutely crushed by them right now. Two goalkeepers, two defenders, and a simply unpleasant portion of their attack and midfield are all out, leaving them with precious few options and even less hope.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET, 5:30 p.m. local
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London, England
TV: NBC (U.S. - English), NBC Universo (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet regional networks (Canada), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), Sky Go (U.K.)
See More:
