Where to watch Chelsea vs Bournemouth in the League Cup on December 19

Topics: TV Schedules, Chelsea, Bournemouth, League Cup

Bournemouth will be hoping to make history as they take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Tune into Chelsea vs. Bournemouth on ESPN+ in the USA and Talksport 2 Radio UK in the UK.

Current form: Chelsea vs Bournemouth

Chelsea earned a hard-fought victory over Brighton this past weekend to make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League, but with Tottenham also winning their fixture, the Blues remain in fourth spot. It was a good reaction following their surprise 2-2 draw with Videoton in the Europa League, which prevented the Blues from finishing their group stage with a 100 per cent winning record. However, Maurizio Sarri's side have rebounded well since their shock 2-1 loss to Wolves, and will be looking to seal their spot in the final four of the League Cup as they take on Bournemouth in a re-match of last season's quarter-final.

Eddie Howe's side have won just one of their last five Premier League games and come into this match having lost 2-0 to Wolves last weekend. That being said, due to how congested things are in the middle area of the table, the visitors are actually just three points behind Manchester United, who sit in sixth, so an uptick in fortunes could certainly see them rapidly start to climb the table.

Striker Callum Wilson, who has netted ten goals in all competitions for Bournemouth, has been vital to the team's ambitions this season. However, his availability for this upcoming game is in serious doubt due to a hamstring problem that will require him to pass a late fitness test.

Bournemouth are aiming to reach the semi-finals this competition for the first time in the club's history. In fact, the Cherries have never gotten to the final four of any competition ever, so should they manage a big upset at Stamford Bridge, it indeed would be a historic result.

How they got here: Chelsea vs Bournemouth

Chelsea entered the competition during the third round, where their first opponent was fellow Premier League giant Liverpool. After beating Jurgen Klopp's men in an entertaining 2-1 encounter, the Blues next locked horns with Championship side Derby County. Notably, Derby did beat Manchester United after holding their nerve to prevail on penalties, so naturally, Chelsea were not going to take the minnows, who are currently being coached by ex-Chelsea midfielder and fan icon Frank Lampard too lightly.

Nonetheless, the Blues prevailed 3-2 in the fourth round to set up their upcoming clash against Bournemouth. As for the visitors, their journey has been much longer. Given that Howe's squad are not involved in any European competition, the Cherries commenced their route at the during the second round, where they faced League Two side Milton Keynes Dons, and cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory.

After that, it was Championship team Blackburn Rovers (3-2), followed by a hard fought 2-1 win over another Championship side, Norwich City in the fourth round, so arguably, Chelsea will present their stiffest opposition yet.

Team news: Chelsea vs Bournemouth

Chelsea: Victor Moses, Gary Cahill, Alvaro Morata and Eden Hazard are all doubts due to injury, and Sarri could opt to leave everyone out - especially Hazard. The Italian tactician has notably rotated his squad for cup and Europa League games and so far it has paid off, so it's really doubtful he would risk his star player for this game - at least not from the start. Hazard could potentially feature as a sub, though, if things are stuck at an impasse against a Bournemouth side who will be determined to match wits with Chelsea as they aim to secure a first-ever final four spot in the League Cup.

Bournemouth: Dan Gosling, Lewis Cook, and Adam Smith are all definite absentees due to knee problems. Meanwhile, Callum Wilson, Tyrone Mings and Simon Francis will all have to be evaluated before the clash due to hamstring, hip, and groin issues respectively, but are still in contention for this fixture.

Match Facts and Stats: Chelsea vs Bournemouth

Chelsea have won seven of their last eight home League Cup games (D1)
Their last home loss was to Swansea (2-0) in the 2012/2013 semi-final
Chelsea have won all three of their League Cup meetings with Bournemouth
Bournemouth have won two of their last five League Cup games against top-flight opponents (L3)
Bournemouth lost 2-1 to Chelsea in this exact tie last season
Chelesa have kept clean sheets in their last four games at home across all comps