Three consecutive clean sheets in matches characterised by typical Jose Mourinho grit and determination have restored some pride to Chelsea, and the visit of struggling Bournemouth presents the perfect opportunity to further rebuild confidence with a clinical victory. Given that Eddie Howe’s team play in an open style that is vulnerable to the counter, this could be the game that sees Eden Hazard confidently announce his return to form.
Bournemouth fearlessly persist with attacking football regardless of the opposition, as exemplified by their 50.9% possession average away from home
Bournemouth fearlessly persist with attacking football regardless of the opposition, as exemplified by their 50.9% possession average away from home (seventh highest in the league).
This approach produces mixed results, and often leaves Bournemouth chasing the ball with too much fervour (27.1 attempted tackles per match is the fifth-lowest in the league) or over-playing against more experience opposition (13.2 unsuccessful touches per match, third most).
The most prominent example of this was in the 5-1 defeat to Man City at the Etihad, in which Bournemouth held 53% possession but were torn apart by incisive through balls that exploited defensive gaps resulting from a high line pressing system. City were particularly effective on the left flank, where Kevin de Bruyne played long passes into Raheem Sterling, often behind the defence.
Chelsea could prosper in similar zones. Eden Hazard amassed nine dribbles and five key passes in his last home match (against Norwich), and he should return to either central or left attacking midfield this weekend. His movement into the left channel and interchanges with Pedro are likely to cause havoc.
Steve Cook (0.8 tackles per match) and Simon Francis (dribbled past 1.2 times per match) are both vulnerable to movement on this side, particularly given the latter’s significance to Bournemouth’s attack. Howe’s tactical system relies upon short-passing interchanges via narrow, inverted wingers, and thus the full-backs offer the majority of the width. If they do not play in a more defensive structure than usual, Hazard could easily outwit Francis and earn a much-needed three points for his manager.
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