Chelsea vs Bournemouth prediction, team news and preview as Maurizio Sarri’s side look to continue perfect start
Sarri could become the sixth manager to win his first four Premier League matches
SARRI-BALL looks like it is already in full flow at Stamford Bridge.
And Eddie Howe' Bournemouth head there on Saturday hoping to become the first side to take points off Chelsea this season.
Howe is unlikely to take a defensive approach in what should be an intriguing clash between two sides that love to have the ball.
Here is everything you need to know about the 3pm kick-off...
Key men
While Maurizio Sarri's system might become even more effective with quicker full-backs, Marcos Alonso has looked as likely as any player to hurt the Blues' opponents.
He scored one and created another in the win over Arsenal and won the penalty before grabbing an assist in the victory at Newcastle.
If Bournemouth gets penned in by the Blues' possession-based approach then they'll need to watch the Spaniard's raids down the left flank.
Bournemouth keeper Asmir Begovic will need to be at his best to keep out the free-flowing hosts when he returns to his former club.
Weakest link
Chelsea shot-stopper Kepa concerned the Stamford Bridge faithful when he failed to keep out Henrikh Mkhitaryan's effort against Arsenal. The Cherries will look to test his handling.
Bournemouth don't appear to have an obvious weakness but their midfield lacks the star names of Chelsea's and they'll hope not to get overrun.
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Likely lineups
Chelsea (4-3-3): Kepa - Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Luiz, Alonso - Kante, Jorginho, Kovacic - Pedro, Morata, Hazard.
Bournemouth (4-4-2): Begovic - A Smith, S Cook, Ake, Daniels - Brooks, Gosling, Surman, Fraser - Wilson, King.
The stat that matters
Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri could become the sixth manager to win his first four Premier League matches, with three of the other five doing so as Chelsea manager - Jose Mourinho, Guus Hiddink and Carlo Ancelotti.
The others are Pep Guardiola and Craig Shakespeare.
What the bosses said
Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri said: "I am well awate of the team and Eddie Howe, who I know very well. I believe they are a dangerous opponent for us."
Bournemouth's Eddie Howe: "Chelsea have been very fluid, they're well coached and managed and we're expecting a tough game.
"We've had good games against Chelsea and we've really enjoyed them. They've always been close and that should inspire the players."
Prediction
3-0 to Chelsea. Sarri's side look in fine fettle and should have too much firepower.