Chelsea are expected to start both Eden Hazard and Gonzalo Higuain together for the first time since the Argentine’s loan move from Juventus.
Higuain has signed on a temporary deal until the end of the season and made his debut in the 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday. However, Eden Hazard was rested for the FA Cup Fourth Round clash so the Belgian is yet to play alongside Chelsea’s new arrival.
The duo are set to link up at the Vitality Stadium when Chelsea look to get back to winning ways in the Premier League, having lost to Arsenal two weeks ago.
The signing of Higuain preluded Alvaro Morata’s departure on loan to Atletico Madrid, while Olivier Giroud will have to be content with a spot on the bench.
Meanwhile, Pedro and Willian will battle for a spot on the opposite wing to Hazard with the Belgian surrendering his ‘false nine’ role.
Emerson Palmieri appears to have displaced Marcos Alonso as first-choice left-back in recent weeks and could start again.
Cesar Azpilicueta should line up on the other flank while David Luiz will return to partner Antonio Rudiger in central defence.
Jorginho, N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic should continue in midfield, although both Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are available.
Danny Drinkwater is the only injury concern for manager Maurizio Sarri, although the Italian has not given the former Leicester ace a single minute of Premier League action so far this season.
Chelsea are fourth in the Premier League, four points behind Tottenham and three clear of Arsenal.
Bournemouth are enduring a tough run of results and were without a win in five matches before their 2-0 triumph over West Ham last time out.
