Chelsea FC have been the most relevant and interesting team this January transfer window, as they’re the only big club that has really done anything at all. Unless it involves Chelsea, it’s pretty much been a moribund, dullsville transfer window, and it closes in just three days. Wednesday night sees the Blues head to the south coast to take on a club featuring a stellar young forward, Callum Wilson, with which they have been linked this month.
This match will also feature the Premier League fixture debut of their newest signing, striker Gonzalo Higuain. So there are storyline aplenty for the midweek clash. Let’s look at the the injury report and team news for both sides.
The hosts will once again be without long term absentees Lewis Cook and Simon Francis, who are still out due to serious knee injuries. Meanwhile January transfer window arrival from Liverpool FC Dominic Solanke will be absent due to a hamstring issue. ‘
For Chelsea, they have no new fresh injury concerns, and can boast of a squad that’s almost full fitness, as Ruben Loftus-Cheek has returned after having recovered from a back problem.
The Bank Chelsea FC Starting XI Prediction 4-3-3
Forwards: Eden Hazard, Gonzalo Higuain, Willian
Midfielders: Mateo Kovacic, Jorginho, N’Golo Kante
Defenders: Emerson Palmieri, David Luiz, Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta
Goalkeeper: Kepa Arrizabalaga
Chelsea FC at AFC Bournemouth FYIs
Kickoff: Wednesday, January 30, 7:45 pm local, Vitality Stadium
Bournemouth Recent form: WLLDLW
Recent form (all competitions): LLDLLW
Chelsea Recent form: LWWDWL
Recent form (all competitions): WLWLWW
Odds via Odds Checker: Chelsea 13/19, draw 16/5, Bournemouth 9/2
Prediction: Chelsea 1, Bournemouth 0
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, regularly appears as a guest pundit on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
He also contributes sociopolitical essays to Chicago Now. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram. The content of his cat’s Instagram account is unquestionably superior to his.