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As it happenedended

Chelsea vs Bournemouth live: What time does it start, what TV channel is it on, where can I watch it?

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at Stamford Bridge

Mark Critchley,Charlie Doris
Saturday 24 December 2016 14:10 GMT
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Will Michy Batshuayi be given a chance to lead the line against Bournemouth?
Will Michy Batshuayi be given a chance to lead the line against Bournemouth? (Getty)

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Chelsea have the chance to restore their nine-point lead over the rest of the Premier League when they take on Bournemouth on Boxing Day at Stamford Bridge, with Manchester City not playing until the evening kick-off and Liverpool in action on Tuesday night. Antonio Conte's side are on an impressive 11-match winning streak in the league, but face their toughest test yet as both Diego Costa and N'Golo Kante are ruled out of today's match through suspension. Bournemouth meanwhile sit tenth in the Premier League table and can move ahead of both West Bromwich Albion and Everton if they secure a surprise victory.

Follow the live action below...

It’s a big game for…

Marcos Alonso: The marauding wing-back has impressed many since arriving at Chelsea from Fiorentina and is enjoying a rich vein of form at the moment.

Best stat…

51: Diego Costa has been involved in 51 per cent of Chelsea’s goals this season, but he’ll be missing on Boxing Day through suspension.

Remember when…

Last season, Glenn Murray’s late header piled misery on Jose Mourinho’s beleaguered Chelsea.

Player to watch…

Michy Batshuayi: It remains to be seen whether, in Costa’s absence, Chelsea’s only other recognised striker will make his first Premier League start of the season.

Antonio Conte suggested that Batshuayi is not yet ‘ready’ for the rigours of the Premier League. So, if he does not play, who will lead the line in his place?

Past three-meetings…

Bournemouth 1 (Elphick) Chelsea 4 (Pedro, Hazard 2, Willian)
Premier League, April 2016

Chelsea 0 Bournemouth 1 (Murray)
Premier League, December 2015

Bournemouth 0 Chelsea 1 (Peacock)
League Cup, October 1994

Form guide…

Chelsea: WWWWW

Bournemouth: LWLWL

Vital information…

Kick-off time: 3.00pm

TV: Highlights on BBC One, 10.55pm

Who will step up for Chelsea today in Costa's absence?

Jack de Menezes26 December 2016 14:52

Jack de Menezes26 December 2016 14:53

Mesut Ozil has 39 assists in 100 Premier League appearances for Arsenal. Only Eric Cantona has more after that many games. (@optajoe) 

Jack de Menezes26 December 2016 14:57

Premier League football across the country is underway. Stay tuned for goals, news and reaction as it happens!

Jack de Menezes26 December 2016 15:02

12mins: GOAL! Swansea 0-1 West Ham (AYEW)

A Fabianski howler gifts Ayew with the opening goal from close range against his former club. 

Jack de Menezes26 December 2016 15:14

Worrying stat for Swansea fans...

Jack de Menezes26 December 2016 15:19

24mins: GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth (Pedro) 

Diego who? Pedro comes in for Chelsea's talisman and puts the Blues ahead in his absence.  

Jack de Menezes26 December 2016 15:25

Pedro's strike was a stunner by all accounts. He picked up the ball on the edge of the Bournemouth box and curled a wonderful effort home from long range.

Jack de Menezes26 December 2016 15:27

CLOSE! Pogba almost put United ahead at Old Trafford but his fine effort is saved onto the post by Pickford. Then De Gea pulls off some heroics of his own with a superb double save from Anichebe and Borini. 

Jack de Menezes26 December 2016 15:31

Jack de Menezes26 December 2016 15:33

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