Chelsea v Bournemouth: Premier League – live | Premier League

It’s been a stroll within the rain for Chelsea. Kai Havertz completed off a very good transfer to provide them the lead, then Mason Mount scored a objective of unobtrusive class to make it two. Bournemouth have fought laborious, however they’ve been outplayed.

45+2 min That’s a fair higher save from Travers, who reaches to his left to paw Sterling’s fierce rising drive around the close to publish.

45+1 min Mount cracks a cross out in the direction of James on the precise facet of the world. Zemura comes throughout, however James wins a forty five/55 ball and smashes a shot that’s blocked on the close to publish by Travers.

45+1 min Four minutes of added time.

45 min “As an Arsenal fan I tuned in early from Canada’s west coast this morning looking for a turgid Chelsea to get their hindquarters handed to them in a can once again — only to find them playing attractive, flowing football and leading deservedly,” weeps Allan Castle. “Very disappointing, although my mood was lifted by that shot of sad Auba on the bench!”

Merry Christmas!

44 min It’s all taking place right here! A dodgy sq. cross from Thiago results in a penalty attraction for Bournemouth. Play continues, Chelsea break and Pulisic scores on the different finish – however the objective is disallowed for a softish foul by Havertz on Smith (I feel) within the construct up.

42 min “It gets worse Rob!” says Gary Naylor. “If the ref blows for the foul on Pulisic after he got the shot away (that goes wide), it would be a penalty but maybe not a red card. Why? Pulisic did get a goal scoring opportunity, mitigated, but not denied, by the foul. MOGSO not DOGSO! Where’s William Goldman when you need him?”

See, I informed you we couldn’t make Naylor up.

41 min Havertz is a bit fortunate to keep away from a yellow card for a late deal with on Senesi.

40 min Bournemouth are nonetheless attacking with function and optimism. Lerma robs Zakaria in midfield, which permits Cook to slip a via ball in the direction of Moore. Thiago Silva comes throughout to make an immaculate interception.

38 min “The combination of Sterling and James on the Chelsea right wing is too much for Bournemouth to cope with,” says Neil Pinkerton. “If only James had been available for the World Cup.”

He is a improbable participant, however did England actually miss him? Kyle Walker couldn’t have performed Mbappe a lot better. James may need carried extra of an attacking menace I suppose, notably within the final quarter-hour. I assumed Alexander-Arnold ought to have come on after they went 2-1 down.

37 min Zemura costs into the world from the left and is nicely tackled by Zakaria. The ensuing nook is headed away on the close to publish.

36 min “Have you actually slept recently, you are always on duty,” says Jeremy Boyce. “I am surely only the 1057th person to have noted that Mary is leading us a Merry Waltz, and is in fact a creation of the Grauniad’s staff as a coverall for any time there aren’t enough readers writing in, just to get some email action going ? Funnily enough, there she is for the second goal, and here I am writing in… It’s a funny old game football, ain’t it Saint?”

People used to say the identical about Gary Naylor. Then they met him and realised – and I say this with love – that you simply couldn’t make Naylor up.

34 min Thiago wafts an absurd lengthy cross over the defence to Havertz, who’s fractionally offside.

33 min Chelsea are nicely on prime now, and so they look particularly harmful down the precise via Sterling, James and Mount.

31 min “When I’m not following the football, I have started working through the King William’s College Quiz,” says Joe Pearson. “After HOURS of research, I’ve only answered about twenty out of the 180 questions. Lots of obscure history and literature references. Where are the footie questions!”

Yes, I can see it now.

1. who did not survive her tenth confinement?

2. who greeted premiers previous and current two days earlier than she died?

3. towards which membership did Jesper Blomqvist make his Man Utd debut?

29 min Cook makes a very good problem on Pulisic, however each males are injured within the course of. There’s a break in play whereas they obtain remedy.

27 min Lerma clips a superb cross over Cucurella to seek out Stacey on the precise facet of the world. He tries to chest the ball again inside Cucurella, who stands proud a leg and makes a vital interception.

27 min “Pulisic was pulled,” says Mary Waltz. “But I think the officials’ judgment was correct. Which, for me, is another reason to bin VAR. VAR’s whole purpose was to eliminate controversy over officials’ calls, it has generated just as much controversy as it has eliminated. Go back to pre-VAR and accept the fact that mistakes will be made.”

26 min Bournemouth have switched to their normal 4-4-2, with Jack Stacey transferring to the precise of midfield.

Mount virtually put Zakaria via on objective with an imaginative first-time cross. Zakaria was crowded out however Havertz collected the unfastened ball and performed it again to Mount on the sting of the D. He used Lerma as a display and swept a beautiful curling shot into the bottom-right nook. Travers had no likelihood.

A contact of sophistication from Mason Mount!

23 min “The point is moot now,” says Andy Flintoff, “but if Pulisic had not thrown his arms out in appeal after the tug, he’d have been better balanced for the shot and probably would have scored.”

At the danger of changing into the Trevor Brooking of the MBM world, I can see each side!

22 min Zakaria fell into one of many Bournemouth gamers at a nook, ramming his head into their again I feel. He’s on his toes and appears okay.

21 min “Yessss,” says Jeff Sachs, “but Nunez would have missed…”

Let’s reserve it for the subsequent Liverpool MBM, however in brief, he’s going to be a star.

20 min Zakaria is down with a head harm, which suggests a break in play.

18 min “Pulisic will dive next time before he gets the shot off – and I certainly won’t blame him,” says Gary Naylor.

I assumed he dived then, whereas additionally hedging his bets and having a shot. It most likely was a foul, although the way in which he went down might have counted towards him. There was an attention-grabbing penalty at Arsenal final night time after a not dissimilar incident., however on that event Jarrod Bowen tried to remain on his toes.

That was a very good staff objective. Mount eased a pleasant ball down the precise to Sterling, who angled a devastating first-time cross in the direction of Havertz on the far publish. He slid in to pressure the ball via Travers from 4 yards.

Kai Havertz 1-0 Jeff Sachs!

15 min I can see why VAR didn’t overturn that call – there wasn’t that a lot contact, subsequently it wasn’t a transparent and apparent error – though I haven’t actually received a clue what constitutes a foul any extra.

12 min: Chelsea penalty attraction! Pulisic collects a unfastened ball on the sting of the D and surges into the world. Smith panics and grabs his shirt, and Pulisic accepts the invitation to go down earlier than taking pictures extensive on the stretch. Simon Hooper says no penalty and VAR isn’t . Hmm. It wasn’t a lot of a shirt pull, and Pulisic actually made probably the most of it, but it surely was nonetheless a shirt pull.

Smith is fortunate as a result of, had a penalty been given, he would have been despatched off as nicely.

11 min Thiago continues to be limping, although there’s no signal of him coming off.

10 min “I am the lone person in the office today – despite not being a holiday here in the good ol’ USA, everyone else is off,” says Rachel Clifton. “So the MBM is even more of a godsend than usual. And it isn’t Southampton…”

I used to be shocked to see that they’re backside of the desk. Looks like one of the best ways for a south coast staff to keep away from relegation is to get tonked 9-0 early within the season.

8 min Maybe Jeff Sachs was proper: Havertz has simply missed an opportunity, heading over from Cucurella’s deep, floated cross. It wasn’t the best alternative, however he ought to most likely have hit the goal.

8 min “Not getting a holiday break?” says Jeff Sachs. “Havertz is as good as Nunez at missing.”

Tough crowd!

7 min Thiago Silva is limping, which is an issue for Chelsea. They do have Trevoh Chalobah on the bench.

5 min Bournemouth are enjoying with a again 5, as predicted, although Billing is enjoying alongside Lerma and Cook in midfield quite than in entrance of them.

3 min Mount’s nook is dummied by Sterling, which permits the ball to run in the direction of Reece James on the sting of the world. He mishits a shot into the gang and Bournemouth clear.

2 min Chelsea’s form is a 4-2-3-1, as we anticipated, however with Sterling on the precise and Pulisic on the left.

2 min Billing’s free-kick is saved comfortably by Kepa. Chelsea break and Havertz wins the primary nook of the sport.

1 min Solanke, as soon as of Chelsea, slaloms previous two gamers earlier than being taken out by Thiago Silva. Free-kick to Bournemouth 30 yards from objective…

1 min Peep peep! Chelsea, kicking from proper to left as we watch, get the sport below means.

There’s a minute’s applause for the nice George Cohen, who died final week aged 83. And now it’s time for the motion.

“Greetings and felicitations,” writes Vincent. “Time for the Blues to show us what they’ve got Rob, mid-table is not good enough; greetings from all here.”

And from right here. Merry Christmas to all!

“Here in the U-S-A! U-S-A!! U-S-A!!!, Snakes and Ladders is marketed as Chutes and Ladders,” writes Peter Oh. “Bournemouth forwards take note. If you want to score you’ve got to CHUTE!, er, SHOOT!”

These are thrilling occasions for Bournemouth. Gary O’Neil was appointed as everlasting supervisor through the World Cup, having achieved a wonderful job as caretaker, and the American Bill Foley accomplished his takeover a few weeks in the past.

It’s a grim outdated night time in west London, with the rain hooning down. Not fairly a moist, windy one in Stoke, however Amazon Prime do have Tony Pulis as one in every of their pundits.

And if he doesn’t change Chelsea’s fortunes, at the least he’ll be given a fortune after they pay him up. For every kind of causes, I actually, actually hope he succeeds.

The state of play

Chelsea begin the sport in ninth place. They’re additionally 9 factors off a Champions League place, although they’ve two video games in hand on fourth-place Spurs.

Bournemouth are 14th, three factors above the relegation locations in what’s an more and more compelling recreation of Snakes and Ladders. A win tonight would transfer them as much as twelfth.

The magnificent Reece James returns to the Chelsea staff for the primary time since mid-October, whereas Denis Zakaria makes his Premier League debut in midfield. Hakim Ziyech and Mateo Kovacic, who went the space on the World Cup, should not included within the squad. All informed, Chelsea are with out eight first-team gamers.

Bournemouth are with out the spectacular Marcus Tavernier, who’s injured, so Jack Stacey comes into the facet. That most likely means a swap to a again 5. Lloyd Kelly additionally returns rather than Jack Stephens.

Chelsea (potential 4-2-3-1) Arrizabalaga; James, Thiago Silva, Koulibaly, Cucurella; Jorginho, Zakaria; Pulisic, Mount, Sterling; Havertz.
Substitutes: Bettinelli, Chalobah, Azpilicueta, Humphreys, Gallagher, Hutchinson, Hall, Aubameyang.

Bournemouth (potential 5-2-1-2) Travers; Stacey, Smith, Senesi, Kelly, Zemura; Cook, Lerma; Billing; Solanke, Moore.
Substitutes: Plain, Stephens, Christie, Marcondes, Rothwell, Pearson, Lowe, Anthony, Dembele.

Referee Simon Hooper

Hello and welcome to live protection of Chelsea v Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge. The World Cup got here at a very good second for Chelsea, who wanted a day out after struggling three successive league defeats. Most of their gamers have been both in Qatar or the remedy room, so Graham Potter hasn’t actually had time to work his teaching magic, however a reset is perhaps the subsequent smartest thing.

Bournemouth additionally had a dodgy run earlier than the World Cup, shedding 4 league video games on the spin, however they completed half one of many Premier League season on a excessive after they routed Everton 3-0. They have a superb current document at Chelsea, with three wins in 5 Premier League video games, so a visit to Stamford Bridge ought to maintain no fears for them. Unlike the remainder of Great Britain, Bournemouth will journey with confidence.

Kick off 5.30pm.

It’s been a stroll within the rain for Chelsea. Kai Havertz completed off a very good transfer to provide them the lead, then Mason Mount scored a objective of unobtrusive class to make it two. Bournemouth have fought laborious, however they’ve been outplayed.

45+2 min That’s a fair higher save from Travers, who reaches to his left to paw Sterling’s fierce rising drive around the close to publish.

45+1 min Mount cracks a cross out in the direction of James on the precise facet of the world. Zemura comes throughout, however James wins a forty five/55 ball and smashes a shot that’s blocked on the close to publish by Travers.

45+1 min Four minutes of added time.

45 min “As an Arsenal fan I tuned in early from Canada’s west coast this morning looking for a turgid Chelsea to get their hindquarters handed to them in a can once again — only to find them playing attractive, flowing football and leading deservedly,” weeps Allan Castle. “Very disappointing, although my mood was lifted by that shot of sad Auba on the bench!”

Merry Christmas!

44 min It’s all taking place right here! A dodgy sq. cross from Thiago results in a penalty attraction for Bournemouth. Play continues, Chelsea break and Pulisic scores on the different finish – however the objective is disallowed for a softish foul by Havertz on Smith (I feel) within the construct up.

42 min “It gets worse Rob!” says Gary Naylor. “If the ref blows for the foul on Pulisic after he got the shot away (that goes wide), it would be a penalty but maybe not a red card. Why? Pulisic did get a goal scoring opportunity, mitigated, but not denied, by the foul. MOGSO not DOGSO! Where’s William Goldman when you need him?”

See, I informed you we couldn’t make Naylor up.

41 min Havertz is a bit fortunate to keep away from a yellow card for a late deal with on Senesi.

40 min Bournemouth are nonetheless attacking with function and optimism. Lerma robs Zakaria in midfield, which permits Cook to slip a via ball in the direction of Moore. Thiago Silva comes throughout to make an immaculate interception.

38 min “The combination of Sterling and James on the Chelsea right wing is too much for Bournemouth to cope with,” says Neil Pinkerton. “If only James had been available for the World Cup.”

He is a improbable participant, however did England actually miss him? Kyle Walker couldn’t have performed Mbappe a lot better. James may need carried extra of an attacking menace I suppose, notably within the final quarter-hour. I assumed Alexander-Arnold ought to have come on after they went 2-1 down.

37 min Zemura costs into the world from the left and is nicely tackled by Zakaria. The ensuing nook is headed away on the close to publish.

36 min “Have you actually slept recently, you are always on duty,” says Jeremy Boyce. “I am surely only the 1057th person to have noted that Mary is leading us a Merry Waltz, and is in fact a creation of the Grauniad’s staff as a coverall for any time there aren’t enough readers writing in, just to get some email action going ? Funnily enough, there she is for the second goal, and here I am writing in… It’s a funny old game football, ain’t it Saint?”

People used to say the identical about Gary Naylor. Then they met him and realised – and I say this with love – that you simply couldn’t make Naylor up.

34 min Thiago wafts an absurd lengthy cross over the defence to Havertz, who’s fractionally offside.

33 min Chelsea are nicely on prime now, and so they look particularly harmful down the precise via Sterling, James and Mount.

31 min “When I’m not following the football, I have started working through the King William’s College Quiz,” says Joe Pearson. “After HOURS of research, I’ve only answered about twenty out of the 180 questions. Lots of obscure history and literature references. Where are the footie questions!”

Yes, I can see it now.

1. who did not survive her tenth confinement?

2. who greeted premiers previous and current two days earlier than she died?

3. towards which membership did Jesper Blomqvist make his Man Utd debut?

29 min Cook makes a very good problem on Pulisic, however each males are injured within the course of. There’s a break in play whereas they obtain remedy.

27 min Lerma clips a superb cross over Cucurella to seek out Stacey on the precise facet of the world. He tries to chest the ball again inside Cucurella, who stands proud a leg and makes a vital interception.

27 min “Pulisic was pulled,” says Mary Waltz. “But I think the officials’ judgment was correct. Which, for me, is another reason to bin VAR. VAR’s whole purpose was to eliminate controversy over officials’ calls, it has generated just as much controversy as it has eliminated. Go back to pre-VAR and accept the fact that mistakes will be made.”

26 min Bournemouth have switched to their normal 4-4-2, with Jack Stacey transferring to the precise of midfield.

Mount virtually put Zakaria via on objective with an imaginative first-time cross. Zakaria was crowded out however Havertz collected the unfastened ball and performed it again to Mount on the sting of the D. He used Lerma as a display and swept a beautiful curling shot into the bottom-right nook. Travers had no likelihood.

A contact of sophistication from Mason Mount!

23 min “The point is moot now,” says Andy Flintoff, “but if Pulisic had not thrown his arms out in appeal after the tug, he’d have been better balanced for the shot and probably would have scored.”

At the danger of changing into the Trevor Brooking of the MBM world, I can see each side!

22 min Zakaria fell into one of many Bournemouth gamers at a nook, ramming his head into their again I feel. He’s on his toes and appears okay.

21 min “Yessss,” says Jeff Sachs, “but Nunez would have missed…”

Let’s reserve it for the subsequent Liverpool MBM, however in brief, he’s going to be a star.

20 min Zakaria is down with a head harm, which suggests a break in play.

18 min “Pulisic will dive next time before he gets the shot off – and I certainly won’t blame him,” says Gary Naylor.

I assumed he dived then, whereas additionally hedging his bets and having a shot. It most likely was a foul, although the way in which he went down might have counted towards him. There was an attention-grabbing penalty at Arsenal final night time after a not dissimilar incident., however on that event Jarrod Bowen tried to remain on his toes.

That was a very good staff objective. Mount eased a pleasant ball down the precise to Sterling, who angled a devastating first-time cross in the direction of Havertz on the far publish. He slid in to pressure the ball via Travers from 4 yards.

Kai Havertz 1-0 Jeff Sachs!

15 min I can see why VAR didn’t overturn that call – there wasn’t that a lot contact, subsequently it wasn’t a transparent and apparent error – though I haven’t actually received a clue what constitutes a foul any extra.

12 min: Chelsea penalty attraction! Pulisic collects a unfastened ball on the sting of the D and surges into the world. Smith panics and grabs his shirt, and Pulisic accepts the invitation to go down earlier than taking pictures extensive on the stretch. Simon Hooper says no penalty and VAR isn’t . Hmm. It wasn’t a lot of a shirt pull, and Pulisic actually made probably the most of it, but it surely was nonetheless a shirt pull.

Smith is fortunate as a result of, had a penalty been given, he would have been despatched off as nicely.

11 min Thiago continues to be limping, although there’s no signal of him coming off.

10 min “I am the lone person in the office today – despite not being a holiday here in the good ol’ USA, everyone else is off,” says Rachel Clifton. “So the MBM is even more of a godsend than usual. And it isn’t Southampton…”

I used to be shocked to see that they’re backside of the desk. Looks like one of the best ways for a south coast staff to keep away from relegation is to get tonked 9-0 early within the season.

8 min Maybe Jeff Sachs was proper: Havertz has simply missed an opportunity, heading over from Cucurella’s deep, floated cross. It wasn’t the best alternative, however he ought to most likely have hit the goal.

8 min “Not getting a holiday break?” says Jeff Sachs. “Havertz is as good as Nunez at missing.”

Tough crowd!

7 min Thiago Silva is limping, which is an issue for Chelsea. They do have Trevoh Chalobah on the bench.

5 min Bournemouth are enjoying with a again 5, as predicted, although Billing is enjoying alongside Lerma and Cook in midfield quite than in entrance of them.

3 min Mount’s nook is dummied by Sterling, which permits the ball to run in the direction of Reece James on the sting of the world. He mishits a shot into the gang and Bournemouth clear.

2 min Chelsea’s form is a 4-2-3-1, as we anticipated, however with Sterling on the precise and Pulisic on the left.

2 min Billing’s free-kick is saved comfortably by Kepa. Chelsea break and Havertz wins the primary nook of the sport.

1 min Solanke, as soon as of Chelsea, slaloms previous two gamers earlier than being taken out by Thiago Silva. Free-kick to Bournemouth 30 yards from objective…

1 min Peep peep! Chelsea, kicking from proper to left as we watch, get the sport below means.

There’s a minute’s applause for the nice George Cohen, who died final week aged 83. And now it’s time for the motion.

“Greetings and felicitations,” writes Vincent. “Time for the Blues to show us what they’ve got Rob, mid-table is not good enough; greetings from all here.”

And from right here. Merry Christmas to all!

“Here in the U-S-A! U-S-A!! U-S-A!!!, Snakes and Ladders is marketed as Chutes and Ladders,” writes Peter Oh. “Bournemouth forwards take note. If you want to score you’ve got to CHUTE!, er, SHOOT!”

These are thrilling occasions for Bournemouth. Gary O’Neil was appointed as everlasting supervisor through the World Cup, having achieved a wonderful job as caretaker, and the American Bill Foley accomplished his takeover a few weeks in the past.

It’s a grim outdated night time in west London, with the rain hooning down. Not fairly a moist, windy one in Stoke, however Amazon Prime do have Tony Pulis as one in every of their pundits.

And if he doesn’t change Chelsea’s fortunes, at the least he’ll be given a fortune after they pay him up. For every kind of causes, I actually, actually hope he succeeds.

The state of play

Chelsea begin the sport in ninth place. They’re additionally 9 factors off a Champions League place, although they’ve two video games in hand on fourth-place Spurs.

Bournemouth are 14th, three factors above the relegation locations in what’s an more and more compelling recreation of Snakes and Ladders. A win tonight would transfer them as much as twelfth.

The magnificent Reece James returns to the Chelsea staff for the primary time since mid-October, whereas Denis Zakaria makes his Premier League debut in midfield. Hakim Ziyech and Mateo Kovacic, who went the space on the World Cup, should not included within the squad. All informed, Chelsea are with out eight first-team gamers.

Bournemouth are with out the spectacular Marcus Tavernier, who’s injured, so Jack Stacey comes into the facet. That most likely means a swap to a again 5. Lloyd Kelly additionally returns rather than Jack Stephens.

Chelsea (potential 4-2-3-1) Arrizabalaga; James, Thiago Silva, Koulibaly, Cucurella; Jorginho, Zakaria; Pulisic, Mount, Sterling; Havertz.
Substitutes: Bettinelli, Chalobah, Azpilicueta, Humphreys, Gallagher, Hutchinson, Hall, Aubameyang.

Bournemouth (potential 5-2-1-2) Travers; Stacey, Smith, Senesi, Kelly, Zemura; Cook, Lerma; Billing; Solanke, Moore.
Substitutes: Plain, Stephens, Christie, Marcondes, Rothwell, Pearson, Lowe, Anthony, Dembele.

Referee Simon Hooper

Hello and welcome to live protection of Chelsea v Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge. The World Cup got here at a very good second for Chelsea, who wanted a day out after struggling three successive league defeats. Most of their gamers have been both in Qatar or the remedy room, so Graham Potter hasn’t actually had time to work his teaching magic, however a reset is perhaps the subsequent smartest thing.

Bournemouth additionally had a dodgy run earlier than the World Cup, shedding 4 league video games on the spin, however they completed half one of many Premier League season on a excessive after they routed Everton 3-0. They have a superb current document at Chelsea, with three wins in 5 Premier League video games, so a visit to Stamford Bridge ought to maintain no fears for them. Unlike the remainder of Great Britain, Bournemouth will journey with confidence.

Kick off 5.30pm.

It’s been a stroll within the rain for Chelsea. Kai Havertz completed off a very good transfer to provide them the lead, then Mason Mount scored a objective of unobtrusive class to make it two. Bournemouth have fought laborious, however they’ve been outplayed.

45+2 min That’s a fair higher save from Travers, who reaches to his left to paw Sterling’s fierce rising drive around the close to publish.

45+1 min Mount cracks a cross out in the direction of James on the precise facet of the world. Zemura comes throughout, however James wins a forty five/55 ball and smashes a shot that’s blocked on the close to publish by Travers.

45+1 min Four minutes of added time.

45 min “As an Arsenal fan I tuned in early from Canada’s west coast this morning looking for a turgid Chelsea to get their hindquarters handed to them in a can once again — only to find them playing attractive, flowing football and leading deservedly,” weeps Allan Castle. “Very disappointing, although my mood was lifted by that shot of sad Auba on the bench!”

Merry Christmas!

44 min It’s all taking place right here! A dodgy sq. cross from Thiago results in a penalty attraction for Bournemouth. Play continues, Chelsea break and Pulisic scores on the different finish – however the objective is disallowed for a softish foul by Havertz on Smith (I feel) within the construct up.

42 min “It gets worse Rob!” says Gary Naylor. “If the ref blows for the foul on Pulisic after he got the shot away (that goes wide), it would be a penalty but maybe not a red card. Why? Pulisic did get a goal scoring opportunity, mitigated, but not denied, by the foul. MOGSO not DOGSO! Where’s William Goldman when you need him?”

See, I informed you we couldn’t make Naylor up.

41 min Havertz is a bit fortunate to keep away from a yellow card for a late deal with on Senesi.

40 min Bournemouth are nonetheless attacking with function and optimism. Lerma robs Zakaria in midfield, which permits Cook to slip a via ball in the direction of Moore. Thiago Silva comes throughout to make an immaculate interception.

38 min “The combination of Sterling and James on the Chelsea right wing is too much for Bournemouth to cope with,” says Neil Pinkerton. “If only James had been available for the World Cup.”

He is a improbable participant, however did England actually miss him? Kyle Walker couldn’t have performed Mbappe a lot better. James may need carried extra of an attacking menace I suppose, notably within the final quarter-hour. I assumed Alexander-Arnold ought to have come on after they went 2-1 down.

37 min Zemura costs into the world from the left and is nicely tackled by Zakaria. The ensuing nook is headed away on the close to publish.

36 min “Have you actually slept recently, you are always on duty,” says Jeremy Boyce. “I am surely only the 1057th person to have noted that Mary is leading us a Merry Waltz, and is in fact a creation of the Grauniad’s staff as a coverall for any time there aren’t enough readers writing in, just to get some email action going ? Funnily enough, there she is for the second goal, and here I am writing in… It’s a funny old game football, ain’t it Saint?”

People used to say the identical about Gary Naylor. Then they met him and realised – and I say this with love – that you simply couldn’t make Naylor up.

34 min Thiago wafts an absurd lengthy cross over the defence to Havertz, who’s fractionally offside.

33 min Chelsea are nicely on prime now, and so they look particularly harmful down the precise via Sterling, James and Mount.

31 min “When I’m not following the football, I have started working through the King William’s College Quiz,” says Joe Pearson. “After HOURS of research, I’ve only answered about twenty out of the 180 questions. Lots of obscure history and literature references. Where are the footie questions!”

Yes, I can see it now.

1. who did not survive her tenth confinement?

2. who greeted premiers previous and current two days earlier than she died?

3. towards which membership did Jesper Blomqvist make his Man Utd debut?

29 min Cook makes a very good problem on Pulisic, however each males are injured within the course of. There’s a break in play whereas they obtain remedy.

27 min Lerma clips a superb cross over Cucurella to seek out Stacey on the precise facet of the world. He tries to chest the ball again inside Cucurella, who stands proud a leg and makes a vital interception.

27 min “Pulisic was pulled,” says Mary Waltz. “But I think the officials’ judgment was correct. Which, for me, is another reason to bin VAR. VAR’s whole purpose was to eliminate controversy over officials’ calls, it has generated just as much controversy as it has eliminated. Go back to pre-VAR and accept the fact that mistakes will be made.”

26 min Bournemouth have switched to their normal 4-4-2, with Jack Stacey transferring to the precise of midfield.

Mount virtually put Zakaria via on objective with an imaginative first-time cross. Zakaria was crowded out however Havertz collected the unfastened ball and performed it again to Mount on the sting of the D. He used Lerma as a display and swept a beautiful curling shot into the bottom-right nook. Travers had no likelihood.

A contact of sophistication from Mason Mount!

23 min “The point is moot now,” says Andy Flintoff, “but if Pulisic had not thrown his arms out in appeal after the tug, he’d have been better balanced for the shot and probably would have scored.”

At the danger of changing into the Trevor Brooking of the MBM world, I can see each side!

22 min Zakaria fell into one of many Bournemouth gamers at a nook, ramming his head into their again I feel. He’s on his toes and appears okay.

21 min “Yessss,” says Jeff Sachs, “but Nunez would have missed…”

Let’s reserve it for the subsequent Liverpool MBM, however in brief, he’s going to be a star.

20 min Zakaria is down with a head harm, which suggests a break in play.

18 min “Pulisic will dive next time before he gets the shot off – and I certainly won’t blame him,” says Gary Naylor.

I assumed he dived then, whereas additionally hedging his bets and having a shot. It most likely was a foul, although the way in which he went down might have counted towards him. There was an attention-grabbing penalty at Arsenal final night time after a not dissimilar incident., however on that event Jarrod Bowen tried to remain on his toes.

That was a very good staff objective. Mount eased a pleasant ball down the precise to Sterling, who angled a devastating first-time cross in the direction of Havertz on the far publish. He slid in to pressure the ball via Travers from 4 yards.

Kai Havertz 1-0 Jeff Sachs!

15 min I can see why VAR didn’t overturn that call – there wasn’t that a lot contact, subsequently it wasn’t a transparent and apparent error – though I haven’t actually received a clue what constitutes a foul any extra.

12 min: Chelsea penalty attraction! Pulisic collects a unfastened ball on the sting of the D and surges into the world. Smith panics and grabs his shirt, and Pulisic accepts the invitation to go down earlier than taking pictures extensive on the stretch. Simon Hooper says no penalty and VAR isn’t . Hmm. It wasn’t a lot of a shirt pull, and Pulisic actually made probably the most of it, but it surely was nonetheless a shirt pull.

Smith is fortunate as a result of, had a penalty been given, he would have been despatched off as nicely.

11 min Thiago continues to be limping, although there’s no signal of him coming off.

10 min “I am the lone person in the office today – despite not being a holiday here in the good ol’ USA, everyone else is off,” says Rachel Clifton. “So the MBM is even more of a godsend than usual. And it isn’t Southampton…”

I used to be shocked to see that they’re backside of the desk. Looks like one of the best ways for a south coast staff to keep away from relegation is to get tonked 9-0 early within the season.

8 min Maybe Jeff Sachs was proper: Havertz has simply missed an opportunity, heading over from Cucurella’s deep, floated cross. It wasn’t the best alternative, however he ought to most likely have hit the goal.

8 min “Not getting a holiday break?” says Jeff Sachs. “Havertz is as good as Nunez at missing.”

Tough crowd!

7 min Thiago Silva is limping, which is an issue for Chelsea. They do have Trevoh Chalobah on the bench.

5 min Bournemouth are enjoying with a again 5, as predicted, although Billing is enjoying alongside Lerma and Cook in midfield quite than in entrance of them.

3 min Mount’s nook is dummied by Sterling, which permits the ball to run in the direction of Reece James on the sting of the world. He mishits a shot into the gang and Bournemouth clear.

2 min Chelsea’s form is a 4-2-3-1, as we anticipated, however with Sterling on the precise and Pulisic on the left.

2 min Billing’s free-kick is saved comfortably by Kepa. Chelsea break and Havertz wins the primary nook of the sport.

1 min Solanke, as soon as of Chelsea, slaloms previous two gamers earlier than being taken out by Thiago Silva. Free-kick to Bournemouth 30 yards from objective…

1 min Peep peep! Chelsea, kicking from proper to left as we watch, get the sport below means.

There’s a minute’s applause for the nice George Cohen, who died final week aged 83. And now it’s time for the motion.

“Greetings and felicitations,” writes Vincent. “Time for the Blues to show us what they’ve got Rob, mid-table is not good enough; greetings from all here.”

And from right here. Merry Christmas to all!

“Here in the U-S-A! U-S-A!! U-S-A!!!, Snakes and Ladders is marketed as Chutes and Ladders,” writes Peter Oh. “Bournemouth forwards take note. If you want to score you’ve got to CHUTE!, er, SHOOT!”

These are thrilling occasions for Bournemouth. Gary O’Neil was appointed as everlasting supervisor through the World Cup, having achieved a wonderful job as caretaker, and the American Bill Foley accomplished his takeover a few weeks in the past.

It’s a grim outdated night time in west London, with the rain hooning down. Not fairly a moist, windy one in Stoke, however Amazon Prime do have Tony Pulis as one in every of their pundits.

And if he doesn’t change Chelsea’s fortunes, at the least he’ll be given a fortune after they pay him up. For every kind of causes, I actually, actually hope he succeeds.

The state of play

Chelsea begin the sport in ninth place. They’re additionally 9 factors off a Champions League place, although they’ve two video games in hand on fourth-place Spurs.

Bournemouth are 14th, three factors above the relegation locations in what’s an more and more compelling recreation of Snakes and Ladders. A win tonight would transfer them as much as twelfth.

The magnificent Reece James returns to the Chelsea staff for the primary time since mid-October, whereas Denis Zakaria makes his Premier League debut in midfield. Hakim Ziyech and Mateo Kovacic, who went the space on the World Cup, should not included within the squad. All informed, Chelsea are with out eight first-team gamers.

Bournemouth are with out the spectacular Marcus Tavernier, who’s injured, so Jack Stacey comes into the facet. That most likely means a swap to a again 5. Lloyd Kelly additionally returns rather than Jack Stephens.

Chelsea (potential 4-2-3-1) Arrizabalaga; James, Thiago Silva, Koulibaly, Cucurella; Jorginho, Zakaria; Pulisic, Mount, Sterling; Havertz.
Substitutes: Bettinelli, Chalobah, Azpilicueta, Humphreys, Gallagher, Hutchinson, Hall, Aubameyang.

Bournemouth (potential 5-2-1-2) Travers; Stacey, Smith, Senesi, Kelly, Zemura; Cook, Lerma; Billing; Solanke, Moore.
Substitutes: Plain, Stephens, Christie, Marcondes, Rothwell, Pearson, Lowe, Anthony, Dembele.

Referee Simon Hooper

Hello and welcome to live protection of Chelsea v Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge. The World Cup got here at a very good second for Chelsea, who wanted a day out after struggling three successive league defeats. Most of their gamers have been both in Qatar or the remedy room, so Graham Potter hasn’t actually had time to work his teaching magic, however a reset is perhaps the subsequent smartest thing.

Bournemouth additionally had a dodgy run earlier than the World Cup, shedding 4 league video games on the spin, however they completed half one of many Premier League season on a excessive after they routed Everton 3-0. They have a superb current document at Chelsea, with three wins in 5 Premier League video games, so a visit to Stamford Bridge ought to maintain no fears for them. Unlike the remainder of Great Britain, Bournemouth will journey with confidence.

Kick off 5.30pm.

It’s been a stroll within the rain for Chelsea. Kai Havertz completed off a very good transfer to provide them the lead, then Mason Mount scored a objective of unobtrusive class to make it two. Bournemouth have fought laborious, however they’ve been outplayed.

45+2 min That’s a fair higher save from Travers, who reaches to his left to paw Sterling’s fierce rising drive around the close to publish.

45+1 min Mount cracks a cross out in the direction of James on the precise facet of the world. Zemura comes throughout, however James wins a forty five/55 ball and smashes a shot that’s blocked on the close to publish by Travers.

45+1 min Four minutes of added time.

45 min “As an Arsenal fan I tuned in early from Canada’s west coast this morning looking for a turgid Chelsea to get their hindquarters handed to them in a can once again — only to find them playing attractive, flowing football and leading deservedly,” weeps Allan Castle. “Very disappointing, although my mood was lifted by that shot of sad Auba on the bench!”

Merry Christmas!

44 min It’s all taking place right here! A dodgy sq. cross from Thiago results in a penalty attraction for Bournemouth. Play continues, Chelsea break and Pulisic scores on the different finish – however the objective is disallowed for a softish foul by Havertz on Smith (I feel) within the construct up.

42 min “It gets worse Rob!” says Gary Naylor. “If the ref blows for the foul on Pulisic after he got the shot away (that goes wide), it would be a penalty but maybe not a red card. Why? Pulisic did get a goal scoring opportunity, mitigated, but not denied, by the foul. MOGSO not DOGSO! Where’s William Goldman when you need him?”

See, I informed you we couldn’t make Naylor up.

41 min Havertz is a bit fortunate to keep away from a yellow card for a late deal with on Senesi.

40 min Bournemouth are nonetheless attacking with function and optimism. Lerma robs Zakaria in midfield, which permits Cook to slip a via ball in the direction of Moore. Thiago Silva comes throughout to make an immaculate interception.

38 min “The combination of Sterling and James on the Chelsea right wing is too much for Bournemouth to cope with,” says Neil Pinkerton. “If only James had been available for the World Cup.”

He is a improbable participant, however did England actually miss him? Kyle Walker couldn’t have performed Mbappe a lot better. James may need carried extra of an attacking menace I suppose, notably within the final quarter-hour. I assumed Alexander-Arnold ought to have come on after they went 2-1 down.

37 min Zemura costs into the world from the left and is nicely tackled by Zakaria. The ensuing nook is headed away on the close to publish.

36 min “Have you actually slept recently, you are always on duty,” says Jeremy Boyce. “I am surely only the 1057th person to have noted that Mary is leading us a Merry Waltz, and is in fact a creation of the Grauniad’s staff as a coverall for any time there aren’t enough readers writing in, just to get some email action going ? Funnily enough, there she is for the second goal, and here I am writing in… It’s a funny old game football, ain’t it Saint?”

People used to say the identical about Gary Naylor. Then they met him and realised – and I say this with love – that you simply couldn’t make Naylor up.

34 min Thiago wafts an absurd lengthy cross over the defence to Havertz, who’s fractionally offside.

33 min Chelsea are nicely on prime now, and so they look particularly harmful down the precise via Sterling, James and Mount.

31 min “When I’m not following the football, I have started working through the King William’s College Quiz,” says Joe Pearson. “After HOURS of research, I’ve only answered about twenty out of the 180 questions. Lots of obscure history and literature references. Where are the footie questions!”

Yes, I can see it now.

1. who did not survive her tenth confinement?

2. who greeted premiers previous and current two days earlier than she died?

3. towards which membership did Jesper Blomqvist make his Man Utd debut?

29 min Cook makes a very good problem on Pulisic, however each males are injured within the course of. There’s a break in play whereas they obtain remedy.

27 min Lerma clips a superb cross over Cucurella to seek out Stacey on the precise facet of the world. He tries to chest the ball again inside Cucurella, who stands proud a leg and makes a vital interception.

27 min “Pulisic was pulled,” says Mary Waltz. “But I think the officials’ judgment was correct. Which, for me, is another reason to bin VAR. VAR’s whole purpose was to eliminate controversy over officials’ calls, it has generated just as much controversy as it has eliminated. Go back to pre-VAR and accept the fact that mistakes will be made.”

26 min Bournemouth have switched to their normal 4-4-2, with Jack Stacey transferring to the precise of midfield.

Mount virtually put Zakaria via on objective with an imaginative first-time cross. Zakaria was crowded out however Havertz collected the unfastened ball and performed it again to Mount on the sting of the D. He used Lerma as a display and swept a beautiful curling shot into the bottom-right nook. Travers had no likelihood.

A contact of sophistication from Mason Mount!

23 min “The point is moot now,” says Andy Flintoff, “but if Pulisic had not thrown his arms out in appeal after the tug, he’d have been better balanced for the shot and probably would have scored.”

At the danger of changing into the Trevor Brooking of the MBM world, I can see each side!

22 min Zakaria fell into one of many Bournemouth gamers at a nook, ramming his head into their again I feel. He’s on his toes and appears okay.

21 min “Yessss,” says Jeff Sachs, “but Nunez would have missed…”

Let’s reserve it for the subsequent Liverpool MBM, however in brief, he’s going to be a star.

20 min Zakaria is down with a head harm, which suggests a break in play.

18 min “Pulisic will dive next time before he gets the shot off – and I certainly won’t blame him,” says Gary Naylor.

I assumed he dived then, whereas additionally hedging his bets and having a shot. It most likely was a foul, although the way in which he went down might have counted towards him. There was an attention-grabbing penalty at Arsenal final night time after a not dissimilar incident., however on that event Jarrod Bowen tried to remain on his toes.

That was a very good staff objective. Mount eased a pleasant ball down the precise to Sterling, who angled a devastating first-time cross in the direction of Havertz on the far publish. He slid in to pressure the ball via Travers from 4 yards.

Kai Havertz 1-0 Jeff Sachs!

15 min I can see why VAR didn’t overturn that call – there wasn’t that a lot contact, subsequently it wasn’t a transparent and apparent error – though I haven’t actually received a clue what constitutes a foul any extra.

12 min: Chelsea penalty attraction! Pulisic collects a unfastened ball on the sting of the D and surges into the world. Smith panics and grabs his shirt, and Pulisic accepts the invitation to go down earlier than taking pictures extensive on the stretch. Simon Hooper says no penalty and VAR isn’t . Hmm. It wasn’t a lot of a shirt pull, and Pulisic actually made probably the most of it, but it surely was nonetheless a shirt pull.

Smith is fortunate as a result of, had a penalty been given, he would have been despatched off as nicely.

11 min Thiago continues to be limping, although there’s no signal of him coming off.

10 min “I am the lone person in the office today – despite not being a holiday here in the good ol’ USA, everyone else is off,” says Rachel Clifton. “So the MBM is even more of a godsend than usual. And it isn’t Southampton…”

I used to be shocked to see that they’re backside of the desk. Looks like one of the best ways for a south coast staff to keep away from relegation is to get tonked 9-0 early within the season.

8 min Maybe Jeff Sachs was proper: Havertz has simply missed an opportunity, heading over from Cucurella’s deep, floated cross. It wasn’t the best alternative, however he ought to most likely have hit the goal.

8 min “Not getting a holiday break?” says Jeff Sachs. “Havertz is as good as Nunez at missing.”

Tough crowd!

7 min Thiago Silva is limping, which is an issue for Chelsea. They do have Trevoh Chalobah on the bench.

5 min Bournemouth are enjoying with a again 5, as predicted, although Billing is enjoying alongside Lerma and Cook in midfield quite than in entrance of them.

3 min Mount’s nook is dummied by Sterling, which permits the ball to run in the direction of Reece James on the sting of the world. He mishits a shot into the gang and Bournemouth clear.

2 min Chelsea’s form is a 4-2-3-1, as we anticipated, however with Sterling on the precise and Pulisic on the left.

2 min Billing’s free-kick is saved comfortably by Kepa. Chelsea break and Havertz wins the primary nook of the sport.

1 min Solanke, as soon as of Chelsea, slaloms previous two gamers earlier than being taken out by Thiago Silva. Free-kick to Bournemouth 30 yards from objective…

1 min Peep peep! Chelsea, kicking from proper to left as we watch, get the sport below means.

There’s a minute’s applause for the nice George Cohen, who died final week aged 83. And now it’s time for the motion.

“Greetings and felicitations,” writes Vincent. “Time for the Blues to show us what they’ve got Rob, mid-table is not good enough; greetings from all here.”

And from right here. Merry Christmas to all!

“Here in the U-S-A! U-S-A!! U-S-A!!!, Snakes and Ladders is marketed as Chutes and Ladders,” writes Peter Oh. “Bournemouth forwards take note. If you want to score you’ve got to CHUTE!, er, SHOOT!”

These are thrilling occasions for Bournemouth. Gary O’Neil was appointed as everlasting supervisor through the World Cup, having achieved a wonderful job as caretaker, and the American Bill Foley accomplished his takeover a few weeks in the past.

It’s a grim outdated night time in west London, with the rain hooning down. Not fairly a moist, windy one in Stoke, however Amazon Prime do have Tony Pulis as one in every of their pundits.

And if he doesn’t change Chelsea’s fortunes, at the least he’ll be given a fortune after they pay him up. For every kind of causes, I actually, actually hope he succeeds.

The state of play

Chelsea begin the sport in ninth place. They’re additionally 9 factors off a Champions League place, although they’ve two video games in hand on fourth-place Spurs.

Bournemouth are 14th, three factors above the relegation locations in what’s an more and more compelling recreation of Snakes and Ladders. A win tonight would transfer them as much as twelfth.

The magnificent Reece James returns to the Chelsea staff for the primary time since mid-October, whereas Denis Zakaria makes his Premier League debut in midfield. Hakim Ziyech and Mateo Kovacic, who went the space on the World Cup, should not included within the squad. All informed, Chelsea are with out eight first-team gamers.

Bournemouth are with out the spectacular Marcus Tavernier, who’s injured, so Jack Stacey comes into the facet. That most likely means a swap to a again 5. Lloyd Kelly additionally returns rather than Jack Stephens.

Chelsea (potential 4-2-3-1) Arrizabalaga; James, Thiago Silva, Koulibaly, Cucurella; Jorginho, Zakaria; Pulisic, Mount, Sterling; Havertz.
Substitutes: Bettinelli, Chalobah, Azpilicueta, Humphreys, Gallagher, Hutchinson, Hall, Aubameyang.

Bournemouth (potential 5-2-1-2) Travers; Stacey, Smith, Senesi, Kelly, Zemura; Cook, Lerma; Billing; Solanke, Moore.
Substitutes: Plain, Stephens, Christie, Marcondes, Rothwell, Pearson, Lowe, Anthony, Dembele.

Referee Simon Hooper

Hello and welcome to live protection of Chelsea v Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge. The World Cup got here at a very good second for Chelsea, who wanted a day out after struggling three successive league defeats. Most of their gamers have been both in Qatar or the remedy room, so Graham Potter hasn’t actually had time to work his teaching magic, however a reset is perhaps the subsequent smartest thing.

Bournemouth additionally had a dodgy run earlier than the World Cup, shedding 4 league video games on the spin, however they completed half one of many Premier League season on a excessive after they routed Everton 3-0. They have a superb current document at Chelsea, with three wins in 5 Premier League video games, so a visit to Stamford Bridge ought to maintain no fears for them. Unlike the remainder of Great Britain, Bournemouth will journey with confidence.

Kick off 5.30pm.

It’s been a stroll within the rain for Chelsea. Kai Havertz completed off a very good transfer to provide them the lead, then Mason Mount scored a objective of unobtrusive class to make it two. Bournemouth have fought laborious, however they’ve been outplayed.

45+2 min That’s a fair higher save from Travers, who reaches to his left to paw Sterling’s fierce rising drive around the close to publish.

45+1 min Mount cracks a cross out in the direction of James on the precise facet of the world. Zemura comes throughout, however James wins a forty five/55 ball and smashes a shot that’s blocked on the close to publish by Travers.

45+1 min Four minutes of added time.

45 min “As an Arsenal fan I tuned in early from Canada’s west coast this morning looking for a turgid Chelsea to get their hindquarters handed to them in a can once again — only to find them playing attractive, flowing football and leading deservedly,” weeps Allan Castle. “Very disappointing, although my mood was lifted by that shot of sad Auba on the bench!”

Merry Christmas!

44 min It’s all taking place right here! A dodgy sq. cross from Thiago results in a penalty attraction for Bournemouth. Play continues, Chelsea break and Pulisic scores on the different finish – however the objective is disallowed for a softish foul by Havertz on Smith (I feel) within the construct up.

42 min “It gets worse Rob!” says Gary Naylor. “If the ref blows for the foul on Pulisic after he got the shot away (that goes wide), it would be a penalty but maybe not a red card. Why? Pulisic did get a goal scoring opportunity, mitigated, but not denied, by the foul. MOGSO not DOGSO! Where’s William Goldman when you need him?”

See, I informed you we couldn’t make Naylor up.

41 min Havertz is a bit fortunate to keep away from a yellow card for a late deal with on Senesi.

40 min Bournemouth are nonetheless attacking with function and optimism. Lerma robs Zakaria in midfield, which permits Cook to slip a via ball in the direction of Moore. Thiago Silva comes throughout to make an immaculate interception.

38 min “The combination of Sterling and James on the Chelsea right wing is too much for Bournemouth to cope with,” says Neil Pinkerton. “If only James had been available for the World Cup.”

He is a improbable participant, however did England actually miss him? Kyle Walker couldn’t have performed Mbappe a lot better. James may need carried extra of an attacking menace I suppose, notably within the final quarter-hour. I assumed Alexander-Arnold ought to have come on after they went 2-1 down.

37 min Zemura costs into the world from the left and is nicely tackled by Zakaria. The ensuing nook is headed away on the close to publish.

36 min “Have you actually slept recently, you are always on duty,” says Jeremy Boyce. “I am surely only the 1057th person to have noted that Mary is leading us a Merry Waltz, and is in fact a creation of the Grauniad’s staff as a coverall for any time there aren’t enough readers writing in, just to get some email action going ? Funnily enough, there she is for the second goal, and here I am writing in… It’s a funny old game football, ain’t it Saint?”

People used to say the identical about Gary Naylor. Then they met him and realised – and I say this with love – that you simply couldn’t make Naylor up.

34 min Thiago wafts an absurd lengthy cross over the defence to Havertz, who’s fractionally offside.

33 min Chelsea are nicely on prime now, and so they look particularly harmful down the precise via Sterling, James and Mount.

31 min “When I’m not following the football, I have started working through the King William’s College Quiz,” says Joe Pearson. “After HOURS of research, I’ve only answered about twenty out of the 180 questions. Lots of obscure history and literature references. Where are the footie questions!”

Yes, I can see it now.

1. who did not survive her tenth confinement?

2. who greeted premiers previous and current two days earlier than she died?

3. towards which membership did Jesper Blomqvist make his Man Utd debut?

29 min Cook makes a very good problem on Pulisic, however each males are injured within the course of. There’s a break in play whereas they obtain remedy.

27 min Lerma clips a superb cross over Cucurella to seek out Stacey on the precise facet of the world. He tries to chest the ball again inside Cucurella, who stands proud a leg and makes a vital interception.

27 min “Pulisic was pulled,” says Mary Waltz. “But I think the officials’ judgment was correct. Which, for me, is another reason to bin VAR. VAR’s whole purpose was to eliminate controversy over officials’ calls, it has generated just as much controversy as it has eliminated. Go back to pre-VAR and accept the fact that mistakes will be made.”

26 min Bournemouth have switched to their normal 4-4-2, with Jack Stacey transferring to the precise of midfield.

Mount virtually put Zakaria via on objective with an imaginative first-time cross. Zakaria was crowded out however Havertz collected the unfastened ball and performed it again to Mount on the sting of the D. He used Lerma as a display and swept a beautiful curling shot into the bottom-right nook. Travers had no likelihood.

A contact of sophistication from Mason Mount!

23 min “The point is moot now,” says Andy Flintoff, “but if Pulisic had not thrown his arms out in appeal after the tug, he’d have been better balanced for the shot and probably would have scored.”

At the danger of changing into the Trevor Brooking of the MBM world, I can see each side!

22 min Zakaria fell into one of many Bournemouth gamers at a nook, ramming his head into their again I feel. He’s on his toes and appears okay.

21 min “Yessss,” says Jeff Sachs, “but Nunez would have missed…”

Let’s reserve it for the subsequent Liverpool MBM, however in brief, he’s going to be a star.

20 min Zakaria is down with a head harm, which suggests a break in play.

18 min “Pulisic will dive next time before he gets the shot off – and I certainly won’t blame him,” says Gary Naylor.

I assumed he dived then, whereas additionally hedging his bets and having a shot. It most likely was a foul, although the way in which he went down might have counted towards him. There was an attention-grabbing penalty at Arsenal final night time after a not dissimilar incident., however on that event Jarrod Bowen tried to remain on his toes.

That was a very good staff objective. Mount eased a pleasant ball down the precise to Sterling, who angled a devastating first-time cross in the direction of Havertz on the far publish. He slid in to pressure the ball via Travers from 4 yards.

Kai Havertz 1-0 Jeff Sachs!

15 min I can see why VAR didn’t overturn that call – there wasn’t that a lot contact, subsequently it wasn’t a transparent and apparent error – though I haven’t actually received a clue what constitutes a foul any extra.

12 min: Chelsea penalty attraction! Pulisic collects a unfastened ball on the sting of the D and surges into the world. Smith panics and grabs his shirt, and Pulisic accepts the invitation to go down earlier than taking pictures extensive on the stretch. Simon Hooper says no penalty and VAR isn’t . Hmm. It wasn’t a lot of a shirt pull, and Pulisic actually made probably the most of it, but it surely was nonetheless a shirt pull.

Smith is fortunate as a result of, had a penalty been given, he would have been despatched off as nicely.

11 min Thiago continues to be limping, although there’s no signal of him coming off.

10 min “I am the lone person in the office today – despite not being a holiday here in the good ol’ USA, everyone else is off,” says Rachel Clifton. “So the MBM is even more of a godsend than usual. And it isn’t Southampton…”

I used to be shocked to see that they’re backside of the desk. Looks like one of the best ways for a south coast staff to keep away from relegation is to get tonked 9-0 early within the season.

8 min Maybe Jeff Sachs was proper: Havertz has simply missed an opportunity, heading over from Cucurella’s deep, floated cross. It wasn’t the best alternative, however he ought to most likely have hit the goal.

8 min “Not getting a holiday break?” says Jeff Sachs. “Havertz is as good as Nunez at missing.”

Tough crowd!

7 min Thiago Silva is limping, which is an issue for Chelsea. They do have Trevoh Chalobah on the bench.

5 min Bournemouth are enjoying with a again 5, as predicted, although Billing is enjoying alongside Lerma and Cook in midfield quite than in entrance of them.

3 min Mount’s nook is dummied by Sterling, which permits the ball to run in the direction of Reece James on the sting of the world. He mishits a shot into the gang and Bournemouth clear.

2 min Chelsea’s form is a 4-2-3-1, as we anticipated, however with Sterling on the precise and Pulisic on the left.

2 min Billing’s free-kick is saved comfortably by Kepa. Chelsea break and Havertz wins the primary nook of the sport.

1 min Solanke, as soon as of Chelsea, slaloms previous two gamers earlier than being taken out by Thiago Silva. Free-kick to Bournemouth 30 yards from objective…

1 min Peep peep! Chelsea, kicking from proper to left as we watch, get the sport below means.

There’s a minute’s applause for the nice George Cohen, who died final week aged 83. And now it’s time for the motion.

“Greetings and felicitations,” writes Vincent. “Time for the Blues to show us what they’ve got Rob, mid-table is not good enough; greetings from all here.”

And from right here. Merry Christmas to all!

“Here in the U-S-A! U-S-A!! U-S-A!!!, Snakes and Ladders is marketed as Chutes and Ladders,” writes Peter Oh. “Bournemouth forwards take note. If you want to score you’ve got to CHUTE!, er, SHOOT!”

These are thrilling occasions for Bournemouth. Gary O’Neil was appointed as everlasting supervisor through the World Cup, having achieved a wonderful job as caretaker, and the American Bill Foley accomplished his takeover a few weeks in the past.

It’s a grim outdated night time in west London, with the rain hooning down. Not fairly a moist, windy one in Stoke, however Amazon Prime do have Tony Pulis as one in every of their pundits.

And if he doesn’t change Chelsea’s fortunes, at the least he’ll be given a fortune after they pay him up. For every kind of causes, I actually, actually hope he succeeds.

The state of play

Chelsea begin the sport in ninth place. They’re additionally 9 factors off a Champions League place, although they’ve two video games in hand on fourth-place Spurs.

Bournemouth are 14th, three factors above the relegation locations in what’s an more and more compelling recreation of Snakes and Ladders. A win tonight would transfer them as much as twelfth.

The magnificent Reece James returns to the Chelsea staff for the primary time since mid-October, whereas Denis Zakaria makes his Premier League debut in midfield. Hakim Ziyech and Mateo Kovacic, who went the space on the World Cup, should not included within the squad. All informed, Chelsea are with out eight first-team gamers.

Bournemouth are with out the spectacular Marcus Tavernier, who’s injured, so Jack Stacey comes into the facet. That most likely means a swap to a again 5. Lloyd Kelly additionally returns rather than Jack Stephens.

Chelsea (potential 4-2-3-1) Arrizabalaga; James, Thiago Silva, Koulibaly, Cucurella; Jorginho, Zakaria; Pulisic, Mount, Sterling; Havertz.
Substitutes: Bettinelli, Chalobah, Azpilicueta, Humphreys, Gallagher, Hutchinson, Hall, Aubameyang.

Bournemouth (potential 5-2-1-2) Travers; Stacey, Smith, Senesi, Kelly, Zemura; Cook, Lerma; Billing; Solanke, Moore.
Substitutes: Plain, Stephens, Christie, Marcondes, Rothwell, Pearson, Lowe, Anthony, Dembele.

Referee Simon Hooper

Hello and welcome to live protection of Chelsea v Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge. The World Cup got here at a very good second for Chelsea, who wanted a day out after struggling three successive league defeats. Most of their gamers have been both in Qatar or the remedy room, so Graham Potter hasn’t actually had time to work his teaching magic, however a reset is perhaps the subsequent smartest thing.

Bournemouth additionally had a dodgy run earlier than the World Cup, shedding 4 league video games on the spin, however they completed half one of many Premier League season on a excessive after they routed Everton 3-0. They have a superb current document at Chelsea, with three wins in 5 Premier League video games, so a visit to Stamford Bridge ought to maintain no fears for them. Unlike the remainder of Great Britain, Bournemouth will journey with confidence.

Kick off 5.30pm.

It’s been a stroll within the rain for Chelsea. Kai Havertz completed off a very good transfer to provide them the lead, then Mason Mount scored a objective of unobtrusive class to make it two. Bournemouth have fought laborious, however they’ve been outplayed.

45+2 min That’s a fair higher save from Travers, who reaches to his left to paw Sterling’s fierce rising drive around the close to publish.

45+1 min Mount cracks a cross out in the direction of James on the precise facet of the world. Zemura comes throughout, however James wins a forty five/55 ball and smashes a shot that’s blocked on the close to publish by Travers.

45+1 min Four minutes of added time.

45 min “As an Arsenal fan I tuned in early from Canada’s west coast this morning looking for a turgid Chelsea to get their hindquarters handed to them in a can once again — only to find them playing attractive, flowing football and leading deservedly,” weeps Allan Castle. “Very disappointing, although my mood was lifted by that shot of sad Auba on the bench!”

Merry Christmas!

44 min It’s all taking place right here! A dodgy sq. cross from Thiago results in a penalty attraction for Bournemouth. Play continues, Chelsea break and Pulisic scores on the different finish – however the objective is disallowed for a softish foul by Havertz on Smith (I feel) within the construct up.

42 min “It gets worse Rob!” says Gary Naylor. “If the ref blows for the foul on Pulisic after he got the shot away (that goes wide), it would be a penalty but maybe not a red card. Why? Pulisic did get a goal scoring opportunity, mitigated, but not denied, by the foul. MOGSO not DOGSO! Where’s William Goldman when you need him?”

See, I informed you we couldn’t make Naylor up.

41 min Havertz is a bit fortunate to keep away from a yellow card for a late deal with on Senesi.

40 min Bournemouth are nonetheless attacking with function and optimism. Lerma robs Zakaria in midfield, which permits Cook to slip a via ball in the direction of Moore. Thiago Silva comes throughout to make an immaculate interception.

38 min “The combination of Sterling and James on the Chelsea right wing is too much for Bournemouth to cope with,” says Neil Pinkerton. “If only James had been available for the World Cup.”

He is a improbable participant, however did England actually miss him? Kyle Walker couldn’t have performed Mbappe a lot better. James may need carried extra of an attacking menace I suppose, notably within the final quarter-hour. I assumed Alexander-Arnold ought to have come on after they went 2-1 down.

37 min Zemura costs into the world from the left and is nicely tackled by Zakaria. The ensuing nook is headed away on the close to publish.

36 min “Have you actually slept recently, you are always on duty,” says Jeremy Boyce. “I am surely only the 1057th person to have noted that Mary is leading us a Merry Waltz, and is in fact a creation of the Grauniad’s staff as a coverall for any time there aren’t enough readers writing in, just to get some email action going ? Funnily enough, there she is for the second goal, and here I am writing in… It’s a funny old game football, ain’t it Saint?”

People used to say the identical about Gary Naylor. Then they met him and realised – and I say this with love – that you simply couldn’t make Naylor up.

34 min Thiago wafts an absurd lengthy cross over the defence to Havertz, who’s fractionally offside.

33 min Chelsea are nicely on prime now, and so they look particularly harmful down the precise via Sterling, James and Mount.

31 min “When I’m not following the football, I have started working through the King William’s College Quiz,” says Joe Pearson. “After HOURS of research, I’ve only answered about twenty out of the 180 questions. Lots of obscure history and literature references. Where are the footie questions!”

Yes, I can see it now.

1. who did not survive her tenth confinement?

2. who greeted premiers previous and current two days earlier than she died?

3. towards which membership did Jesper Blomqvist make his Man Utd debut?

29 min Cook makes a very good problem on Pulisic, however each males are injured within the course of. There’s a break in play whereas they obtain remedy.

27 min Lerma clips a superb cross over Cucurella to seek out Stacey on the precise facet of the world. He tries to chest the ball again inside Cucurella, who stands proud a leg and makes a vital interception.

27 min “Pulisic was pulled,” says Mary Waltz. “But I think the officials’ judgment was correct. Which, for me, is another reason to bin VAR. VAR’s whole purpose was to eliminate controversy over officials’ calls, it has generated just as much controversy as it has eliminated. Go back to pre-VAR and accept the fact that mistakes will be made.”

26 min Bournemouth have switched to their normal 4-4-2, with Jack Stacey transferring to the precise of midfield.

Mount virtually put Zakaria via on objective with an imaginative first-time cross. Zakaria was crowded out however Havertz collected the unfastened ball and performed it again to Mount on the sting of the D. He used Lerma as a display and swept a beautiful curling shot into the bottom-right nook. Travers had no likelihood.

A contact of sophistication from Mason Mount!

23 min “The point is moot now,” says Andy Flintoff, “but if Pulisic had not thrown his arms out in appeal after the tug, he’d have been better balanced for the shot and probably would have scored.”

At the danger of changing into the Trevor Brooking of the MBM world, I can see each side!

22 min Zakaria fell into one of many Bournemouth gamers at a nook, ramming his head into their again I feel. He’s on his toes and appears okay.

21 min “Yessss,” says Jeff Sachs, “but Nunez would have missed…”

Let’s reserve it for the subsequent Liverpool MBM, however in brief, he’s going to be a star.

20 min Zakaria is down with a head harm, which suggests a break in play.

18 min “Pulisic will dive next time before he gets the shot off – and I certainly won’t blame him,” says Gary Naylor.

I assumed he dived then, whereas additionally hedging his bets and having a shot. It most likely was a foul, although the way in which he went down might have counted towards him. There was an attention-grabbing penalty at Arsenal final night time after a not dissimilar incident., however on that event Jarrod Bowen tried to remain on his toes.

That was a very good staff objective. Mount eased a pleasant ball down the precise to Sterling, who angled a devastating first-time cross in the direction of Havertz on the far publish. He slid in to pressure the ball via Travers from 4 yards.

Kai Havertz 1-0 Jeff Sachs!

15 min I can see why VAR didn’t overturn that call – there wasn’t that a lot contact, subsequently it wasn’t a transparent and apparent error – though I haven’t actually received a clue what constitutes a foul any extra.

12 min: Chelsea penalty attraction! Pulisic collects a unfastened ball on the sting of the D and surges into the world. Smith panics and grabs his shirt, and Pulisic accepts the invitation to go down earlier than taking pictures extensive on the stretch. Simon Hooper says no penalty and VAR isn’t . Hmm. It wasn’t a lot of a shirt pull, and Pulisic actually made probably the most of it, but it surely was nonetheless a shirt pull.

Smith is fortunate as a result of, had a penalty been given, he would have been despatched off as nicely.

11 min Thiago continues to be limping, although there’s no signal of him coming off.

10 min “I am the lone person in the office today – despite not being a holiday here in the good ol’ USA, everyone else is off,” says Rachel Clifton. “So the MBM is even more of a godsend than usual. And it isn’t Southampton…”

I used to be shocked to see that they’re backside of the desk. Looks like one of the best ways for a south coast staff to keep away from relegation is to get tonked 9-0 early within the season.

8 min Maybe Jeff Sachs was proper: Havertz has simply missed an opportunity, heading over from Cucurella’s deep, floated cross. It wasn’t the best alternative, however he ought to most likely have hit the goal.

8 min “Not getting a holiday break?” says Jeff Sachs. “Havertz is as good as Nunez at missing.”

Tough crowd!

7 min Thiago Silva is limping, which is an issue for Chelsea. They do have Trevoh Chalobah on the bench.

5 min Bournemouth are enjoying with a again 5, as predicted, although Billing is enjoying alongside Lerma and Cook in midfield quite than in entrance of them.

3 min Mount’s nook is dummied by Sterling, which permits the ball to run in the direction of Reece James on the sting of the world. He mishits a shot into the gang and Bournemouth clear.

2 min Chelsea’s form is a 4-2-3-1, as we anticipated, however with Sterling on the precise and Pulisic on the left.

2 min Billing’s free-kick is saved comfortably by Kepa. Chelsea break and Havertz wins the primary nook of the sport.

1 min Solanke, as soon as of Chelsea, slaloms previous two gamers earlier than being taken out by Thiago Silva. Free-kick to Bournemouth 30 yards from objective…

1 min Peep peep! Chelsea, kicking from proper to left as we watch, get the sport below means.

There’s a minute’s applause for the nice George Cohen, who died final week aged 83. And now it’s time for the motion.

“Greetings and felicitations,” writes Vincent. “Time for the Blues to show us what they’ve got Rob, mid-table is not good enough; greetings from all here.”

And from right here. Merry Christmas to all!

“Here in the U-S-A! U-S-A!! U-S-A!!!, Snakes and Ladders is marketed as Chutes and Ladders,” writes Peter Oh. “Bournemouth forwards take note. If you want to score you’ve got to CHUTE!, er, SHOOT!”

These are thrilling occasions for Bournemouth. Gary O’Neil was appointed as everlasting supervisor through the World Cup, having achieved a wonderful job as caretaker, and the American Bill Foley accomplished his takeover a few weeks in the past.

It’s a grim outdated night time in west London, with the rain hooning down. Not fairly a moist, windy one in Stoke, however Amazon Prime do have Tony Pulis as one in every of their pundits.

And if he doesn’t change Chelsea’s fortunes, at the least he’ll be given a fortune after they pay him up. For every kind of causes, I actually, actually hope he succeeds.

The state of play

Chelsea begin the sport in ninth place. They’re additionally 9 factors off a Champions League place, although they’ve two video games in hand on fourth-place Spurs.

Bournemouth are 14th, three factors above the relegation locations in what’s an more and more compelling recreation of Snakes and Ladders. A win tonight would transfer them as much as twelfth.

The magnificent Reece James returns to the Chelsea staff for the primary time since mid-October, whereas Denis Zakaria makes his Premier League debut in midfield. Hakim Ziyech and Mateo Kovacic, who went the space on the World Cup, should not included within the squad. All informed, Chelsea are with out eight first-team gamers.

Bournemouth are with out the spectacular Marcus Tavernier, who’s injured, so Jack Stacey comes into the facet. That most likely means a swap to a again 5. Lloyd Kelly additionally returns rather than Jack Stephens.

Chelsea (potential 4-2-3-1) Arrizabalaga; James, Thiago Silva, Koulibaly, Cucurella; Jorginho, Zakaria; Pulisic, Mount, Sterling; Havertz.
Substitutes: Bettinelli, Chalobah, Azpilicueta, Humphreys, Gallagher, Hutchinson, Hall, Aubameyang.

Bournemouth (potential 5-2-1-2) Travers; Stacey, Smith, Senesi, Kelly, Zemura; Cook, Lerma; Billing; Solanke, Moore.
Substitutes: Plain, Stephens, Christie, Marcondes, Rothwell, Pearson, Lowe, Anthony, Dembele.

Referee Simon Hooper

Hello and welcome to live protection of Chelsea v Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge. The World Cup got here at a very good second for Chelsea, who wanted a day out after struggling three successive league defeats. Most of their gamers have been both in Qatar or the remedy room, so Graham Potter hasn’t actually had time to work his teaching magic, however a reset is perhaps the subsequent smartest thing.

Bournemouth additionally had a dodgy run earlier than the World Cup, shedding 4 league video games on the spin, however they completed half one of many Premier League season on a excessive after they routed Everton 3-0. They have a superb current document at Chelsea, with three wins in 5 Premier League video games, so a visit to Stamford Bridge ought to maintain no fears for them. Unlike the remainder of Great Britain, Bournemouth will journey with confidence.

Kick off 5.30pm.

It’s been a stroll within the rain for Chelsea. Kai Havertz completed off a very good transfer to provide them the lead, then Mason Mount scored a objective of unobtrusive class to make it two. Bournemouth have fought laborious, however they’ve been outplayed.

45+2 min That’s a fair higher save from Travers, who reaches to his left to paw Sterling’s fierce rising drive around the close to publish.

45+1 min Mount cracks a cross out in the direction of James on the precise facet of the world. Zemura comes throughout, however James wins a forty five/55 ball and smashes a shot that’s blocked on the close to publish by Travers.

45+1 min Four minutes of added time.

45 min “As an Arsenal fan I tuned in early from Canada’s west coast this morning looking for a turgid Chelsea to get their hindquarters handed to them in a can once again — only to find them playing attractive, flowing football and leading deservedly,” weeps Allan Castle. “Very disappointing, although my mood was lifted by that shot of sad Auba on the bench!”

Merry Christmas!

44 min It’s all taking place right here! A dodgy sq. cross from Thiago results in a penalty attraction for Bournemouth. Play continues, Chelsea break and Pulisic scores on the different finish – however the objective is disallowed for a softish foul by Havertz on Smith (I feel) within the construct up.

42 min “It gets worse Rob!” says Gary Naylor. “If the ref blows for the foul on Pulisic after he got the shot away (that goes wide), it would be a penalty but maybe not a red card. Why? Pulisic did get a goal scoring opportunity, mitigated, but not denied, by the foul. MOGSO not DOGSO! Where’s William Goldman when you need him?”

See, I informed you we couldn’t make Naylor up.

41 min Havertz is a bit fortunate to keep away from a yellow card for a late deal with on Senesi.

40 min Bournemouth are nonetheless attacking with function and optimism. Lerma robs Zakaria in midfield, which permits Cook to slip a via ball in the direction of Moore. Thiago Silva comes throughout to make an immaculate interception.

38 min “The combination of Sterling and James on the Chelsea right wing is too much for Bournemouth to cope with,” says Neil Pinkerton. “If only James had been available for the World Cup.”

He is a improbable participant, however did England actually miss him? Kyle Walker couldn’t have performed Mbappe a lot better. James may need carried extra of an attacking menace I suppose, notably within the final quarter-hour. I assumed Alexander-Arnold ought to have come on after they went 2-1 down.

37 min Zemura costs into the world from the left and is nicely tackled by Zakaria. The ensuing nook is headed away on the close to publish.

36 min “Have you actually slept recently, you are always on duty,” says Jeremy Boyce. “I am surely only the 1057th person to have noted that Mary is leading us a Merry Waltz, and is in fact a creation of the Grauniad’s staff as a coverall for any time there aren’t enough readers writing in, just to get some email action going ? Funnily enough, there she is for the second goal, and here I am writing in… It’s a funny old game football, ain’t it Saint?”

People used to say the identical about Gary Naylor. Then they met him and realised – and I say this with love – that you simply couldn’t make Naylor up.

34 min Thiago wafts an absurd lengthy cross over the defence to Havertz, who’s fractionally offside.

33 min Chelsea are nicely on prime now, and so they look particularly harmful down the precise via Sterling, James and Mount.

31 min “When I’m not following the football, I have started working through the King William’s College Quiz,” says Joe Pearson. “After HOURS of research, I’ve only answered about twenty out of the 180 questions. Lots of obscure history and literature references. Where are the footie questions!”

Yes, I can see it now.

1. who did not survive her tenth confinement?

2. who greeted premiers previous and current two days earlier than she died?

3. towards which membership did Jesper Blomqvist make his Man Utd debut?

29 min Cook makes a very good problem on Pulisic, however each males are injured within the course of. There’s a break in play whereas they obtain remedy.

27 min Lerma clips a superb cross over Cucurella to seek out Stacey on the precise facet of the world. He tries to chest the ball again inside Cucurella, who stands proud a leg and makes a vital interception.

27 min “Pulisic was pulled,” says Mary Waltz. “But I think the officials’ judgment was correct. Which, for me, is another reason to bin VAR. VAR’s whole purpose was to eliminate controversy over officials’ calls, it has generated just as much controversy as it has eliminated. Go back to pre-VAR and accept the fact that mistakes will be made.”

26 min Bournemouth have switched to their normal 4-4-2, with Jack Stacey transferring to the precise of midfield.

Mount virtually put Zakaria via on objective with an imaginative first-time cross. Zakaria was crowded out however Havertz collected the unfastened ball and performed it again to Mount on the sting of the D. He used Lerma as a display and swept a beautiful curling shot into the bottom-right nook. Travers had no likelihood.

A contact of sophistication from Mason Mount!

23 min “The point is moot now,” says Andy Flintoff, “but if Pulisic had not thrown his arms out in appeal after the tug, he’d have been better balanced for the shot and probably would have scored.”

At the danger of changing into the Trevor Brooking of the MBM world, I can see each side!

22 min Zakaria fell into one of many Bournemouth gamers at a nook, ramming his head into their again I feel. He’s on his toes and appears okay.

21 min “Yessss,” says Jeff Sachs, “but Nunez would have missed…”

Let’s reserve it for the subsequent Liverpool MBM, however in brief, he’s going to be a star.

20 min Zakaria is down with a head harm, which suggests a break in play.

18 min “Pulisic will dive next time before he gets the shot off – and I certainly won’t blame him,” says Gary Naylor.

I assumed he dived then, whereas additionally hedging his bets and having a shot. It most likely was a foul, although the way in which he went down might have counted towards him. There was an attention-grabbing penalty at Arsenal final night time after a not dissimilar incident., however on that event Jarrod Bowen tried to remain on his toes.

That was a very good staff objective. Mount eased a pleasant ball down the precise to Sterling, who angled a devastating first-time cross in the direction of Havertz on the far publish. He slid in to pressure the ball via Travers from 4 yards.

Kai Havertz 1-0 Jeff Sachs!

15 min I can see why VAR didn’t overturn that call – there wasn’t that a lot contact, subsequently it wasn’t a transparent and apparent error – though I haven’t actually received a clue what constitutes a foul any extra.

12 min: Chelsea penalty attraction! Pulisic collects a unfastened ball on the sting of the D and surges into the world. Smith panics and grabs his shirt, and Pulisic accepts the invitation to go down earlier than taking pictures extensive on the stretch. Simon Hooper says no penalty and VAR isn’t . Hmm. It wasn’t a lot of a shirt pull, and Pulisic actually made probably the most of it, but it surely was nonetheless a shirt pull.

Smith is fortunate as a result of, had a penalty been given, he would have been despatched off as nicely.

11 min Thiago continues to be limping, although there’s no signal of him coming off.

10 min “I am the lone person in the office today – despite not being a holiday here in the good ol’ USA, everyone else is off,” says Rachel Clifton. “So the MBM is even more of a godsend than usual. And it isn’t Southampton…”

I used to be shocked to see that they’re backside of the desk. Looks like one of the best ways for a south coast staff to keep away from relegation is to get tonked 9-0 early within the season.

8 min Maybe Jeff Sachs was proper: Havertz has simply missed an opportunity, heading over from Cucurella’s deep, floated cross. It wasn’t the best alternative, however he ought to most likely have hit the goal.

8 min “Not getting a holiday break?” says Jeff Sachs. “Havertz is as good as Nunez at missing.”

Tough crowd!

7 min Thiago Silva is limping, which is an issue for Chelsea. They do have Trevoh Chalobah on the bench.

5 min Bournemouth are enjoying with a again 5, as predicted, although Billing is enjoying alongside Lerma and Cook in midfield quite than in entrance of them.

3 min Mount’s nook is dummied by Sterling, which permits the ball to run in the direction of Reece James on the sting of the world. He mishits a shot into the gang and Bournemouth clear.

2 min Chelsea’s form is a 4-2-3-1, as we anticipated, however with Sterling on the precise and Pulisic on the left.

2 min Billing’s free-kick is saved comfortably by Kepa. Chelsea break and Havertz wins the primary nook of the sport.

1 min Solanke, as soon as of Chelsea, slaloms previous two gamers earlier than being taken out by Thiago Silva. Free-kick to Bournemouth 30 yards from objective…

1 min Peep peep! Chelsea, kicking from proper to left as we watch, get the sport below means.

There’s a minute’s applause for the nice George Cohen, who died final week aged 83. And now it’s time for the motion.

“Greetings and felicitations,” writes Vincent. “Time for the Blues to show us what they’ve got Rob, mid-table is not good enough; greetings from all here.”

And from right here. Merry Christmas to all!

“Here in the U-S-A! U-S-A!! U-S-A!!!, Snakes and Ladders is marketed as Chutes and Ladders,” writes Peter Oh. “Bournemouth forwards take note. If you want to score you’ve got to CHUTE!, er, SHOOT!”

These are thrilling occasions for Bournemouth. Gary O’Neil was appointed as everlasting supervisor through the World Cup, having achieved a wonderful job as caretaker, and the American Bill Foley accomplished his takeover a few weeks in the past.

It’s a grim outdated night time in west London, with the rain hooning down. Not fairly a moist, windy one in Stoke, however Amazon Prime do have Tony Pulis as one in every of their pundits.

And if he doesn’t change Chelsea’s fortunes, at the least he’ll be given a fortune after they pay him up. For every kind of causes, I actually, actually hope he succeeds.

The state of play

Chelsea begin the sport in ninth place. They’re additionally 9 factors off a Champions League place, although they’ve two video games in hand on fourth-place Spurs.

Bournemouth are 14th, three factors above the relegation locations in what’s an more and more compelling recreation of Snakes and Ladders. A win tonight would transfer them as much as twelfth.

The magnificent Reece James returns to the Chelsea staff for the primary time since mid-October, whereas Denis Zakaria makes his Premier League debut in midfield. Hakim Ziyech and Mateo Kovacic, who went the space on the World Cup, should not included within the squad. All informed, Chelsea are with out eight first-team gamers.

Bournemouth are with out the spectacular Marcus Tavernier, who’s injured, so Jack Stacey comes into the facet. That most likely means a swap to a again 5. Lloyd Kelly additionally returns rather than Jack Stephens.

Chelsea (potential 4-2-3-1) Arrizabalaga; James, Thiago Silva, Koulibaly, Cucurella; Jorginho, Zakaria; Pulisic, Mount, Sterling; Havertz.
Substitutes: Bettinelli, Chalobah, Azpilicueta, Humphreys, Gallagher, Hutchinson, Hall, Aubameyang.

Bournemouth (potential 5-2-1-2) Travers; Stacey, Smith, Senesi, Kelly, Zemura; Cook, Lerma; Billing; Solanke, Moore.
Substitutes: Plain, Stephens, Christie, Marcondes, Rothwell, Pearson, Lowe, Anthony, Dembele.

Referee Simon Hooper

Hello and welcome to live protection of Chelsea v Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge. The World Cup got here at a very good second for Chelsea, who wanted a day out after struggling three successive league defeats. Most of their gamers have been both in Qatar or the remedy room, so Graham Potter hasn’t actually had time to work his teaching magic, however a reset is perhaps the subsequent smartest thing.

Bournemouth additionally had a dodgy run earlier than the World Cup, shedding 4 league video games on the spin, however they completed half one of many Premier League season on a excessive after they routed Everton 3-0. They have a superb current document at Chelsea, with three wins in 5 Premier League video games, so a visit to Stamford Bridge ought to maintain no fears for them. Unlike the remainder of Great Britain, Bournemouth will journey with confidence.

Kick off 5.30pm.

It’s been a stroll within the rain for Chelsea. Kai Havertz completed off a very good transfer to provide them the lead, then Mason Mount scored a objective of unobtrusive class to make it two. Bournemouth have fought laborious, however they’ve been outplayed.

45+2 min That’s a fair higher save from Travers, who reaches to his left to paw Sterling’s fierce rising drive around the close to publish.

45+1 min Mount cracks a cross out in the direction of James on the precise facet of the world. Zemura comes throughout, however James wins a forty five/55 ball and smashes a shot that’s blocked on the close to publish by Travers.

45+1 min Four minutes of added time.

45 min “As an Arsenal fan I tuned in early from Canada’s west coast this morning looking for a turgid Chelsea to get their hindquarters handed to them in a can once again — only to find them playing attractive, flowing football and leading deservedly,” weeps Allan Castle. “Very disappointing, although my mood was lifted by that shot of sad Auba on the bench!”

Merry Christmas!

44 min It’s all taking place right here! A dodgy sq. cross from Thiago results in a penalty attraction for Bournemouth. Play continues, Chelsea break and Pulisic scores on the different finish – however the objective is disallowed for a softish foul by Havertz on Smith (I feel) within the construct up.

42 min “It gets worse Rob!” says Gary Naylor. “If the ref blows for the foul on Pulisic after he got the shot away (that goes wide), it would be a penalty but maybe not a red card. Why? Pulisic did get a goal scoring opportunity, mitigated, but not denied, by the foul. MOGSO not DOGSO! Where’s William Goldman when you need him?”

See, I informed you we couldn’t make Naylor up.

41 min Havertz is a bit fortunate to keep away from a yellow card for a late deal with on Senesi.

40 min Bournemouth are nonetheless attacking with function and optimism. Lerma robs Zakaria in midfield, which permits Cook to slip a via ball in the direction of Moore. Thiago Silva comes throughout to make an immaculate interception.

38 min “The combination of Sterling and James on the Chelsea right wing is too much for Bournemouth to cope with,” says Neil Pinkerton. “If only James had been available for the World Cup.”

He is a improbable participant, however did England actually miss him? Kyle Walker couldn’t have performed Mbappe a lot better. James may need carried extra of an attacking menace I suppose, notably within the final quarter-hour. I assumed Alexander-Arnold ought to have come on after they went 2-1 down.

37 min Zemura costs into the world from the left and is nicely tackled by Zakaria. The ensuing nook is headed away on the close to publish.

36 min “Have you actually slept recently, you are always on duty,” says Jeremy Boyce. “I am surely only the 1057th person to have noted that Mary is leading us a Merry Waltz, and is in fact a creation of the Grauniad’s staff as a coverall for any time there aren’t enough readers writing in, just to get some email action going ? Funnily enough, there she is for the second goal, and here I am writing in… It’s a funny old game football, ain’t it Saint?”

People used to say the identical about Gary Naylor. Then they met him and realised – and I say this with love – that you simply couldn’t make Naylor up.

34 min Thiago wafts an absurd lengthy cross over the defence to Havertz, who’s fractionally offside.

33 min Chelsea are nicely on prime now, and so they look particularly harmful down the precise via Sterling, James and Mount.

31 min “When I’m not following the football, I have started working through the King William’s College Quiz,” says Joe Pearson. “After HOURS of research, I’ve only answered about twenty out of the 180 questions. Lots of obscure history and literature references. Where are the footie questions!”

Yes, I can see it now.

1. who did not survive her tenth confinement?

2. who greeted premiers previous and current two days earlier than she died?

3. towards which membership did Jesper Blomqvist make his Man Utd debut?

29 min Cook makes a very good problem on Pulisic, however each males are injured within the course of. There’s a break in play whereas they obtain remedy.

27 min Lerma clips a superb cross over Cucurella to seek out Stacey on the precise facet of the world. He tries to chest the ball again inside Cucurella, who stands proud a leg and makes a vital interception.

27 min “Pulisic was pulled,” says Mary Waltz. “But I think the officials’ judgment was correct. Which, for me, is another reason to bin VAR. VAR’s whole purpose was to eliminate controversy over officials’ calls, it has generated just as much controversy as it has eliminated. Go back to pre-VAR and accept the fact that mistakes will be made.”

26 min Bournemouth have switched to their normal 4-4-2, with Jack Stacey transferring to the precise of midfield.

Mount virtually put Zakaria via on objective with an imaginative first-time cross. Zakaria was crowded out however Havertz collected the unfastened ball and performed it again to Mount on the sting of the D. He used Lerma as a display and swept a beautiful curling shot into the bottom-right nook. Travers had no likelihood.

A contact of sophistication from Mason Mount!

23 min “The point is moot now,” says Andy Flintoff, “but if Pulisic had not thrown his arms out in appeal after the tug, he’d have been better balanced for the shot and probably would have scored.”

At the danger of changing into the Trevor Brooking of the MBM world, I can see each side!

22 min Zakaria fell into one of many Bournemouth gamers at a nook, ramming his head into their again I feel. He’s on his toes and appears okay.

21 min “Yessss,” says Jeff Sachs, “but Nunez would have missed…”

Let’s reserve it for the subsequent Liverpool MBM, however in brief, he’s going to be a star.

20 min Zakaria is down with a head harm, which suggests a break in play.

18 min “Pulisic will dive next time before he gets the shot off – and I certainly won’t blame him,” says Gary Naylor.

I assumed he dived then, whereas additionally hedging his bets and having a shot. It most likely was a foul, although the way in which he went down might have counted towards him. There was an attention-grabbing penalty at Arsenal final night time after a not dissimilar incident., however on that event Jarrod Bowen tried to remain on his toes.

That was a very good staff objective. Mount eased a pleasant ball down the precise to Sterling, who angled a devastating first-time cross in the direction of Havertz on the far publish. He slid in to pressure the ball via Travers from 4 yards.

Kai Havertz 1-0 Jeff Sachs!

15 min I can see why VAR didn’t overturn that call – there wasn’t that a lot contact, subsequently it wasn’t a transparent and apparent error – though I haven’t actually received a clue what constitutes a foul any extra.

12 min: Chelsea penalty attraction! Pulisic collects a unfastened ball on the sting of the D and surges into the world. Smith panics and grabs his shirt, and Pulisic accepts the invitation to go down earlier than taking pictures extensive on the stretch. Simon Hooper says no penalty and VAR isn’t . Hmm. It wasn’t a lot of a shirt pull, and Pulisic actually made probably the most of it, but it surely was nonetheless a shirt pull.

Smith is fortunate as a result of, had a penalty been given, he would have been despatched off as nicely.

11 min Thiago continues to be limping, although there’s no signal of him coming off.

10 min “I am the lone person in the office today – despite not being a holiday here in the good ol’ USA, everyone else is off,” says Rachel Clifton. “So the MBM is even more of a godsend than usual. And it isn’t Southampton…”

I used to be shocked to see that they’re backside of the desk. Looks like one of the best ways for a south coast staff to keep away from relegation is to get tonked 9-0 early within the season.

8 min Maybe Jeff Sachs was proper: Havertz has simply missed an opportunity, heading over from Cucurella’s deep, floated cross. It wasn’t the best alternative, however he ought to most likely have hit the goal.

8 min “Not getting a holiday break?” says Jeff Sachs. “Havertz is as good as Nunez at missing.”

Tough crowd!

7 min Thiago Silva is limping, which is an issue for Chelsea. They do have Trevoh Chalobah on the bench.

5 min Bournemouth are enjoying with a again 5, as predicted, although Billing is enjoying alongside Lerma and Cook in midfield quite than in entrance of them.

3 min Mount’s nook is dummied by Sterling, which permits the ball to run in the direction of Reece James on the sting of the world. He mishits a shot into the gang and Bournemouth clear.

2 min Chelsea’s form is a 4-2-3-1, as we anticipated, however with Sterling on the precise and Pulisic on the left.

2 min Billing’s free-kick is saved comfortably by Kepa. Chelsea break and Havertz wins the primary nook of the sport.

1 min Solanke, as soon as of Chelsea, slaloms previous two gamers earlier than being taken out by Thiago Silva. Free-kick to Bournemouth 30 yards from objective…

1 min Peep peep! Chelsea, kicking from proper to left as we watch, get the sport below means.

There’s a minute’s applause for the nice George Cohen, who died final week aged 83. And now it’s time for the motion.

“Greetings and felicitations,” writes Vincent. “Time for the Blues to show us what they’ve got Rob, mid-table is not good enough; greetings from all here.”

And from right here. Merry Christmas to all!

“Here in the U-S-A! U-S-A!! U-S-A!!!, Snakes and Ladders is marketed as Chutes and Ladders,” writes Peter Oh. “Bournemouth forwards take note. If you want to score you’ve got to CHUTE!, er, SHOOT!”

These are thrilling occasions for Bournemouth. Gary O’Neil was appointed as everlasting supervisor through the World Cup, having achieved a wonderful job as caretaker, and the American Bill Foley accomplished his takeover a few weeks in the past.

It’s a grim outdated night time in west London, with the rain hooning down. Not fairly a moist, windy one in Stoke, however Amazon Prime do have Tony Pulis as one in every of their pundits.

And if he doesn’t change Chelsea’s fortunes, at the least he’ll be given a fortune after they pay him up. For every kind of causes, I actually, actually hope he succeeds.

The state of play

Chelsea begin the sport in ninth place. They’re additionally 9 factors off a Champions League place, although they’ve two video games in hand on fourth-place Spurs.

Bournemouth are 14th, three factors above the relegation locations in what’s an more and more compelling recreation of Snakes and Ladders. A win tonight would transfer them as much as twelfth.

The magnificent Reece James returns to the Chelsea staff for the primary time since mid-October, whereas Denis Zakaria makes his Premier League debut in midfield. Hakim Ziyech and Mateo Kovacic, who went the space on the World Cup, should not included within the squad. All informed, Chelsea are with out eight first-team gamers.

Bournemouth are with out the spectacular Marcus Tavernier, who’s injured, so Jack Stacey comes into the facet. That most likely means a swap to a again 5. Lloyd Kelly additionally returns rather than Jack Stephens.

Chelsea (potential 4-2-3-1) Arrizabalaga; James, Thiago Silva, Koulibaly, Cucurella; Jorginho, Zakaria; Pulisic, Mount, Sterling; Havertz.
Substitutes: Bettinelli, Chalobah, Azpilicueta, Humphreys, Gallagher, Hutchinson, Hall, Aubameyang.

Bournemouth (potential 5-2-1-2) Travers; Stacey, Smith, Senesi, Kelly, Zemura; Cook, Lerma; Billing; Solanke, Moore.
Substitutes: Plain, Stephens, Christie, Marcondes, Rothwell, Pearson, Lowe, Anthony, Dembele.

Referee Simon Hooper

Hello and welcome to live protection of Chelsea v Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge. The World Cup got here at a very good second for Chelsea, who wanted a day out after struggling three successive league defeats. Most of their gamers have been both in Qatar or the remedy room, so Graham Potter hasn’t actually had time to work his teaching magic, however a reset is perhaps the subsequent smartest thing.

Bournemouth additionally had a dodgy run earlier than the World Cup, shedding 4 league video games on the spin, however they completed half one of many Premier League season on a excessive after they routed Everton 3-0. They have a superb current document at Chelsea, with three wins in 5 Premier League video games, so a visit to Stamford Bridge ought to maintain no fears for them. Unlike the remainder of Great Britain, Bournemouth will journey with confidence.

Kick off 5.30pm.

It’s been a stroll within the rain for Chelsea. Kai Havertz completed off a very good transfer to provide them the lead, then Mason Mount scored a objective of unobtrusive class to make it two. Bournemouth have fought laborious, however they’ve been outplayed.

45+2 min That’s a fair higher save from Travers, who reaches to his left to paw Sterling’s fierce rising drive around the close to publish.

45+1 min Mount cracks a cross out in the direction of James on the precise facet of the world. Zemura comes throughout, however James wins a forty five/55 ball and smashes a shot that’s blocked on the close to publish by Travers.

45+1 min Four minutes of added time.

45 min “As an Arsenal fan I tuned in early from Canada’s west coast this morning looking for a turgid Chelsea to get their hindquarters handed to them in a can once again — only to find them playing attractive, flowing football and leading deservedly,” weeps Allan Castle. “Very disappointing, although my mood was lifted by that shot of sad Auba on the bench!”

Merry Christmas!

44 min It’s all taking place right here! A dodgy sq. cross from Thiago results in a penalty attraction for Bournemouth. Play continues, Chelsea break and Pulisic scores on the different finish – however the objective is disallowed for a softish foul by Havertz on Smith (I feel) within the construct up.

42 min “It gets worse Rob!” says Gary Naylor. “If the ref blows for the foul on Pulisic after he got the shot away (that goes wide), it would be a penalty but maybe not a red card. Why? Pulisic did get a goal scoring opportunity, mitigated, but not denied, by the foul. MOGSO not DOGSO! Where’s William Goldman when you need him?”

See, I informed you we couldn’t make Naylor up.

41 min Havertz is a bit fortunate to keep away from a yellow card for a late deal with on Senesi.

40 min Bournemouth are nonetheless attacking with function and optimism. Lerma robs Zakaria in midfield, which permits Cook to slip a via ball in the direction of Moore. Thiago Silva comes throughout to make an immaculate interception.

38 min “The combination of Sterling and James on the Chelsea right wing is too much for Bournemouth to cope with,” says Neil Pinkerton. “If only James had been available for the World Cup.”

He is a improbable participant, however did England actually miss him? Kyle Walker couldn’t have performed Mbappe a lot better. James may need carried extra of an attacking menace I suppose, notably within the final quarter-hour. I assumed Alexander-Arnold ought to have come on after they went 2-1 down.

37 min Zemura costs into the world from the left and is nicely tackled by Zakaria. The ensuing nook is headed away on the close to publish.

36 min “Have you actually slept recently, you are always on duty,” says Jeremy Boyce. “I am surely only the 1057th person to have noted that Mary is leading us a Merry Waltz, and is in fact a creation of the Grauniad’s staff as a coverall for any time there aren’t enough readers writing in, just to get some email action going ? Funnily enough, there she is for the second goal, and here I am writing in… It’s a funny old game football, ain’t it Saint?”

People used to say the identical about Gary Naylor. Then they met him and realised – and I say this with love – that you simply couldn’t make Naylor up.

34 min Thiago wafts an absurd lengthy cross over the defence to Havertz, who’s fractionally offside.

33 min Chelsea are nicely on prime now, and so they look particularly harmful down the precise via Sterling, James and Mount.

31 min “When I’m not following the football, I have started working through the King William’s College Quiz,” says Joe Pearson. “After HOURS of research, I’ve only answered about twenty out of the 180 questions. Lots of obscure history and literature references. Where are the footie questions!”

Yes, I can see it now.

1. who did not survive her tenth confinement?

2. who greeted premiers previous and current two days earlier than she died?

3. towards which membership did Jesper Blomqvist make his Man Utd debut?

29 min Cook makes a very good problem on Pulisic, however each males are injured within the course of. There’s a break in play whereas they obtain remedy.

27 min Lerma clips a superb cross over Cucurella to seek out Stacey on the precise facet of the world. He tries to chest the ball again inside Cucurella, who stands proud a leg and makes a vital interception.

27 min “Pulisic was pulled,” says Mary Waltz. “But I think the officials’ judgment was correct. Which, for me, is another reason to bin VAR. VAR’s whole purpose was to eliminate controversy over officials’ calls, it has generated just as much controversy as it has eliminated. Go back to pre-VAR and accept the fact that mistakes will be made.”

26 min Bournemouth have switched to their normal 4-4-2, with Jack Stacey transferring to the precise of midfield.

Mount virtually put Zakaria via on objective with an imaginative first-time cross. Zakaria was crowded out however Havertz collected the unfastened ball and performed it again to Mount on the sting of the D. He used Lerma as a display and swept a beautiful curling shot into the bottom-right nook. Travers had no likelihood.

A contact of sophistication from Mason Mount!

23 min “The point is moot now,” says Andy Flintoff, “but if Pulisic had not thrown his arms out in appeal after the tug, he’d have been better balanced for the shot and probably would have scored.”

At the danger of changing into the Trevor Brooking of the MBM world, I can see each side!

22 min Zakaria fell into one of many Bournemouth gamers at a nook, ramming his head into their again I feel. He’s on his toes and appears okay.

21 min “Yessss,” says Jeff Sachs, “but Nunez would have missed…”

Let’s reserve it for the subsequent Liverpool MBM, however in brief, he’s going to be a star.

20 min Zakaria is down with a head harm, which suggests a break in play.

18 min “Pulisic will dive next time before he gets the shot off – and I certainly won’t blame him,” says Gary Naylor.

I assumed he dived then, whereas additionally hedging his bets and having a shot. It most likely was a foul, although the way in which he went down might have counted towards him. There was an attention-grabbing penalty at Arsenal final night time after a not dissimilar incident., however on that event Jarrod Bowen tried to remain on his toes.

That was a very good staff objective. Mount eased a pleasant ball down the precise to Sterling, who angled a devastating first-time cross in the direction of Havertz on the far publish. He slid in to pressure the ball via Travers from 4 yards.

Kai Havertz 1-0 Jeff Sachs!

15 min I can see why VAR didn’t overturn that call – there wasn’t that a lot contact, subsequently it wasn’t a transparent and apparent error – though I haven’t actually received a clue what constitutes a foul any extra.

12 min: Chelsea penalty attraction! Pulisic collects a unfastened ball on the sting of the D and surges into the world. Smith panics and grabs his shirt, and Pulisic accepts the invitation to go down earlier than taking pictures extensive on the stretch. Simon Hooper says no penalty and VAR isn’t . Hmm. It wasn’t a lot of a shirt pull, and Pulisic actually made probably the most of it, but it surely was nonetheless a shirt pull.

Smith is fortunate as a result of, had a penalty been given, he would have been despatched off as nicely.

11 min Thiago continues to be limping, although there’s no signal of him coming off.

10 min “I am the lone person in the office today – despite not being a holiday here in the good ol’ USA, everyone else is off,” says Rachel Clifton. “So the MBM is even more of a godsend than usual. And it isn’t Southampton…”

I used to be shocked to see that they’re backside of the desk. Looks like one of the best ways for a south coast staff to keep away from relegation is to get tonked 9-0 early within the season.

8 min Maybe Jeff Sachs was proper: Havertz has simply missed an opportunity, heading over from Cucurella’s deep, floated cross. It wasn’t the best alternative, however he ought to most likely have hit the goal.

8 min “Not getting a holiday break?” says Jeff Sachs. “Havertz is as good as Nunez at missing.”

Tough crowd!

7 min Thiago Silva is limping, which is an issue for Chelsea. They do have Trevoh Chalobah on the bench.

5 min Bournemouth are enjoying with a again 5, as predicted, although Billing is enjoying alongside Lerma and Cook in midfield quite than in entrance of them.

3 min Mount’s nook is dummied by Sterling, which permits the ball to run in the direction of Reece James on the sting of the world. He mishits a shot into the gang and Bournemouth clear.

2 min Chelsea’s form is a 4-2-3-1, as we anticipated, however with Sterling on the precise and Pulisic on the left.

2 min Billing’s free-kick is saved comfortably by Kepa. Chelsea break and Havertz wins the primary nook of the sport.

1 min Solanke, as soon as of Chelsea, slaloms previous two gamers earlier than being taken out by Thiago Silva. Free-kick to Bournemouth 30 yards from objective…

1 min Peep peep! Chelsea, kicking from proper to left as we watch, get the sport below means.

There’s a minute’s applause for the nice George Cohen, who died final week aged 83. And now it’s time for the motion.

“Greetings and felicitations,” writes Vincent. “Time for the Blues to show us what they’ve got Rob, mid-table is not good enough; greetings from all here.”

And from right here. Merry Christmas to all!

“Here in the U-S-A! U-S-A!! U-S-A!!!, Snakes and Ladders is marketed as Chutes and Ladders,” writes Peter Oh. “Bournemouth forwards take note. If you want to score you’ve got to CHUTE!, er, SHOOT!”

These are thrilling occasions for Bournemouth. Gary O’Neil was appointed as everlasting supervisor through the World Cup, having achieved a wonderful job as caretaker, and the American Bill Foley accomplished his takeover a few weeks in the past.

It’s a grim outdated night time in west London, with the rain hooning down. Not fairly a moist, windy one in Stoke, however Amazon Prime do have Tony Pulis as one in every of their pundits.

And if he doesn’t change Chelsea’s fortunes, at the least he’ll be given a fortune after they pay him up. For every kind of causes, I actually, actually hope he succeeds.

The state of play

Chelsea begin the sport in ninth place. They’re additionally 9 factors off a Champions League place, although they’ve two video games in hand on fourth-place Spurs.

Bournemouth are 14th, three factors above the relegation locations in what’s an more and more compelling recreation of Snakes and Ladders. A win tonight would transfer them as much as twelfth.

The magnificent Reece James returns to the Chelsea staff for the primary time since mid-October, whereas Denis Zakaria makes his Premier League debut in midfield. Hakim Ziyech and Mateo Kovacic, who went the space on the World Cup, should not included within the squad. All informed, Chelsea are with out eight first-team gamers.

Bournemouth are with out the spectacular Marcus Tavernier, who’s injured, so Jack Stacey comes into the facet. That most likely means a swap to a again 5. Lloyd Kelly additionally returns rather than Jack Stephens.

Chelsea (potential 4-2-3-1) Arrizabalaga; James, Thiago Silva, Koulibaly, Cucurella; Jorginho, Zakaria; Pulisic, Mount, Sterling; Havertz.
Substitutes: Bettinelli, Chalobah, Azpilicueta, Humphreys, Gallagher, Hutchinson, Hall, Aubameyang.

Bournemouth (potential 5-2-1-2) Travers; Stacey, Smith, Senesi, Kelly, Zemura; Cook, Lerma; Billing; Solanke, Moore.
Substitutes: Plain, Stephens, Christie, Marcondes, Rothwell, Pearson, Lowe, Anthony, Dembele.

Referee Simon Hooper

Hello and welcome to live protection of Chelsea v Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge. The World Cup got here at a very good second for Chelsea, who wanted a day out after struggling three successive league defeats. Most of their gamers have been both in Qatar or the remedy room, so Graham Potter hasn’t actually had time to work his teaching magic, however a reset is perhaps the subsequent smartest thing.

Bournemouth additionally had a dodgy run earlier than the World Cup, shedding 4 league video games on the spin, however they completed half one of many Premier League season on a excessive after they routed Everton 3-0. They have a superb current document at Chelsea, with three wins in 5 Premier League video games, so a visit to Stamford Bridge ought to maintain no fears for them. Unlike the remainder of Great Britain, Bournemouth will journey with confidence.

Kick off 5.30pm.

It’s been a stroll within the rain for Chelsea. Kai Havertz completed off a very good transfer to provide them the lead, then Mason Mount scored a objective of unobtrusive class to make it two. Bournemouth have fought laborious, however they’ve been outplayed.

45+2 min That’s a fair higher save from Travers, who reaches to his left to paw Sterling’s fierce rising drive around the close to publish.

45+1 min Mount cracks a cross out in the direction of James on the precise facet of the world. Zemura comes throughout, however James wins a forty five/55 ball and smashes a shot that’s blocked on the close to publish by Travers.

45+1 min Four minutes of added time.

45 min “As an Arsenal fan I tuned in early from Canada’s west coast this morning looking for a turgid Chelsea to get their hindquarters handed to them in a can once again — only to find them playing attractive, flowing football and leading deservedly,” weeps Allan Castle. “Very disappointing, although my mood was lifted by that shot of sad Auba on the bench!”

Merry Christmas!

44 min It’s all taking place right here! A dodgy sq. cross from Thiago results in a penalty attraction for Bournemouth. Play continues, Chelsea break and Pulisic scores on the different finish – however the objective is disallowed for a softish foul by Havertz on Smith (I feel) within the construct up.

42 min “It gets worse Rob!” says Gary Naylor. “If the ref blows for the foul on Pulisic after he got the shot away (that goes wide), it would be a penalty but maybe not a red card. Why? Pulisic did get a goal scoring opportunity, mitigated, but not denied, by the foul. MOGSO not DOGSO! Where’s William Goldman when you need him?”

See, I informed you we couldn’t make Naylor up.

41 min Havertz is a bit fortunate to keep away from a yellow card for a late deal with on Senesi.

40 min Bournemouth are nonetheless attacking with function and optimism. Lerma robs Zakaria in midfield, which permits Cook to slip a via ball in the direction of Moore. Thiago Silva comes throughout to make an immaculate interception.

38 min “The combination of Sterling and James on the Chelsea right wing is too much for Bournemouth to cope with,” says Neil Pinkerton. “If only James had been available for the World Cup.”

He is a improbable participant, however did England actually miss him? Kyle Walker couldn’t have performed Mbappe a lot better. James may need carried extra of an attacking menace I suppose, notably within the final quarter-hour. I assumed Alexander-Arnold ought to have come on after they went 2-1 down.

37 min Zemura costs into the world from the left and is nicely tackled by Zakaria. The ensuing nook is headed away on the close to publish.

36 min “Have you actually slept recently, you are always on duty,” says Jeremy Boyce. “I am surely only the 1057th person to have noted that Mary is leading us a Merry Waltz, and is in fact a creation of the Grauniad’s staff as a coverall for any time there aren’t enough readers writing in, just to get some email action going ? Funnily enough, there she is for the second goal, and here I am writing in… It’s a funny old game football, ain’t it Saint?”

People used to say the identical about Gary Naylor. Then they met him and realised – and I say this with love – that you simply couldn’t make Naylor up.

34 min Thiago wafts an absurd lengthy cross over the defence to Havertz, who’s fractionally offside.

33 min Chelsea are nicely on prime now, and so they look particularly harmful down the precise via Sterling, James and Mount.

31 min “When I’m not following the football, I have started working through the King William’s College Quiz,” says Joe Pearson. “After HOURS of research, I’ve only answered about twenty out of the 180 questions. Lots of obscure history and literature references. Where are the footie questions!”

Yes, I can see it now.

1. who did not survive her tenth confinement?

2. who greeted premiers previous and current two days earlier than she died?

3. towards which membership did Jesper Blomqvist make his Man Utd debut?

29 min Cook makes a very good problem on Pulisic, however each males are injured within the course of. There’s a break in play whereas they obtain remedy.

27 min Lerma clips a superb cross over Cucurella to seek out Stacey on the precise facet of the world. He tries to chest the ball again inside Cucurella, who stands proud a leg and makes a vital interception.

27 min “Pulisic was pulled,” says Mary Waltz. “But I think the officials’ judgment was correct. Which, for me, is another reason to bin VAR. VAR’s whole purpose was to eliminate controversy over officials’ calls, it has generated just as much controversy as it has eliminated. Go back to pre-VAR and accept the fact that mistakes will be made.”

26 min Bournemouth have switched to their normal 4-4-2, with Jack Stacey transferring to the precise of midfield.

Mount virtually put Zakaria via on objective with an imaginative first-time cross. Zakaria was crowded out however Havertz collected the unfastened ball and performed it again to Mount on the sting of the D. He used Lerma as a display and swept a beautiful curling shot into the bottom-right nook. Travers had no likelihood.

A contact of sophistication from Mason Mount!

23 min “The point is moot now,” says Andy Flintoff, “but if Pulisic had not thrown his arms out in appeal after the tug, he’d have been better balanced for the shot and probably would have scored.”

At the danger of changing into the Trevor Brooking of the MBM world, I can see each side!

22 min Zakaria fell into one of many Bournemouth gamers at a nook, ramming his head into their again I feel. He’s on his toes and appears okay.

21 min “Yessss,” says Jeff Sachs, “but Nunez would have missed…”

Let’s reserve it for the subsequent Liverpool MBM, however in brief, he’s going to be a star.

20 min Zakaria is down with a head harm, which suggests a break in play.

18 min “Pulisic will dive next time before he gets the shot off – and I certainly won’t blame him,” says Gary Naylor.

I assumed he dived then, whereas additionally hedging his bets and having a shot. It most likely was a foul, although the way in which he went down might have counted towards him. There was an attention-grabbing penalty at Arsenal final night time after a not dissimilar incident., however on that event Jarrod Bowen tried to remain on his toes.

That was a very good staff objective. Mount eased a pleasant ball down the precise to Sterling, who angled a devastating first-time cross in the direction of Havertz on the far publish. He slid in to pressure the ball via Travers from 4 yards.

Kai Havertz 1-0 Jeff Sachs!

15 min I can see why VAR didn’t overturn that call – there wasn’t that a lot contact, subsequently it wasn’t a transparent and apparent error – though I haven’t actually received a clue what constitutes a foul any extra.

12 min: Chelsea penalty attraction! Pulisic collects a unfastened ball on the sting of the D and surges into the world. Smith panics and grabs his shirt, and Pulisic accepts the invitation to go down earlier than taking pictures extensive on the stretch. Simon Hooper says no penalty and VAR isn’t . Hmm. It wasn’t a lot of a shirt pull, and Pulisic actually made probably the most of it, but it surely was nonetheless a shirt pull.

Smith is fortunate as a result of, had a penalty been given, he would have been despatched off as nicely.

11 min Thiago continues to be limping, although there’s no signal of him coming off.

10 min “I am the lone person in the office today – despite not being a holiday here in the good ol’ USA, everyone else is off,” says Rachel Clifton. “So the MBM is even more of a godsend than usual. And it isn’t Southampton…”

I used to be shocked to see that they’re backside of the desk. Looks like one of the best ways for a south coast staff to keep away from relegation is to get tonked 9-0 early within the season.

8 min Maybe Jeff Sachs was proper: Havertz has simply missed an opportunity, heading over from Cucurella’s deep, floated cross. It wasn’t the best alternative, however he ought to most likely have hit the goal.

8 min “Not getting a holiday break?” says Jeff Sachs. “Havertz is as good as Nunez at missing.”

Tough crowd!

7 min Thiago Silva is limping, which is an issue for Chelsea. They do have Trevoh Chalobah on the bench.

5 min Bournemouth are enjoying with a again 5, as predicted, although Billing is enjoying alongside Lerma and Cook in midfield quite than in entrance of them.

3 min Mount’s nook is dummied by Sterling, which permits the ball to run in the direction of Reece James on the sting of the world. He mishits a shot into the gang and Bournemouth clear.

2 min Chelsea’s form is a 4-2-3-1, as we anticipated, however with Sterling on the precise and Pulisic on the left.

2 min Billing’s free-kick is saved comfortably by Kepa. Chelsea break and Havertz wins the primary nook of the sport.

1 min Solanke, as soon as of Chelsea, slaloms previous two gamers earlier than being taken out by Thiago Silva. Free-kick to Bournemouth 30 yards from objective…

1 min Peep peep! Chelsea, kicking from proper to left as we watch, get the sport below means.

There’s a minute’s applause for the nice George Cohen, who died final week aged 83. And now it’s time for the motion.

“Greetings and felicitations,” writes Vincent. “Time for the Blues to show us what they’ve got Rob, mid-table is not good enough; greetings from all here.”

And from right here. Merry Christmas to all!

“Here in the U-S-A! U-S-A!! U-S-A!!!, Snakes and Ladders is marketed as Chutes and Ladders,” writes Peter Oh. “Bournemouth forwards take note. If you want to score you’ve got to CHUTE!, er, SHOOT!”

These are thrilling occasions for Bournemouth. Gary O’Neil was appointed as everlasting supervisor through the World Cup, having achieved a wonderful job as caretaker, and the American Bill Foley accomplished his takeover a few weeks in the past.

It’s a grim outdated night time in west London, with the rain hooning down. Not fairly a moist, windy one in Stoke, however Amazon Prime do have Tony Pulis as one in every of their pundits.

And if he doesn’t change Chelsea’s fortunes, at the least he’ll be given a fortune after they pay him up. For every kind of causes, I actually, actually hope he succeeds.

The state of play

Chelsea begin the sport in ninth place. They’re additionally 9 factors off a Champions League place, although they’ve two video games in hand on fourth-place Spurs.

Bournemouth are 14th, three factors above the relegation locations in what’s an more and more compelling recreation of Snakes and Ladders. A win tonight would transfer them as much as twelfth.

The magnificent Reece James returns to the Chelsea staff for the primary time since mid-October, whereas Denis Zakaria makes his Premier League debut in midfield. Hakim Ziyech and Mateo Kovacic, who went the space on the World Cup, should not included within the squad. All informed, Chelsea are with out eight first-team gamers.

Bournemouth are with out the spectacular Marcus Tavernier, who’s injured, so Jack Stacey comes into the facet. That most likely means a swap to a again 5. Lloyd Kelly additionally returns rather than Jack Stephens.

Chelsea (potential 4-2-3-1) Arrizabalaga; James, Thiago Silva, Koulibaly, Cucurella; Jorginho, Zakaria; Pulisic, Mount, Sterling; Havertz.
Substitutes: Bettinelli, Chalobah, Azpilicueta, Humphreys, Gallagher, Hutchinson, Hall, Aubameyang.

Bournemouth (potential 5-2-1-2) Travers; Stacey, Smith, Senesi, Kelly, Zemura; Cook, Lerma; Billing; Solanke, Moore.
Substitutes: Plain, Stephens, Christie, Marcondes, Rothwell, Pearson, Lowe, Anthony, Dembele.

Referee Simon Hooper

Hello and welcome to live protection of Chelsea v Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge. The World Cup got here at a very good second for Chelsea, who wanted a day out after struggling three successive league defeats. Most of their gamers have been both in Qatar or the remedy room, so Graham Potter hasn’t actually had time to work his teaching magic, however a reset is perhaps the subsequent smartest thing.

Bournemouth additionally had a dodgy run earlier than the World Cup, shedding 4 league video games on the spin, however they completed half one of many Premier League season on a excessive after they routed Everton 3-0. They have a superb current document at Chelsea, with three wins in 5 Premier League video games, so a visit to Stamford Bridge ought to maintain no fears for them. Unlike the remainder of Great Britain, Bournemouth will journey with confidence.

Kick off 5.30pm.

It’s been a stroll within the rain for Chelsea. Kai Havertz completed off a very good transfer to provide them the lead, then Mason Mount scored a objective of unobtrusive class to make it two. Bournemouth have fought laborious, however they’ve been outplayed.

45+2 min That’s a fair higher save from Travers, who reaches to his left to paw Sterling’s fierce rising drive around the close to publish.

45+1 min Mount cracks a cross out in the direction of James on the precise facet of the world. Zemura comes throughout, however James wins a forty five/55 ball and smashes a shot that’s blocked on the close to publish by Travers.

45+1 min Four minutes of added time.

45 min “As an Arsenal fan I tuned in early from Canada’s west coast this morning looking for a turgid Chelsea to get their hindquarters handed to them in a can once again — only to find them playing attractive, flowing football and leading deservedly,” weeps Allan Castle. “Very disappointing, although my mood was lifted by that shot of sad Auba on the bench!”

Merry Christmas!

44 min It’s all taking place right here! A dodgy sq. cross from Thiago results in a penalty attraction for Bournemouth. Play continues, Chelsea break and Pulisic scores on the different finish – however the objective is disallowed for a softish foul by Havertz on Smith (I feel) within the construct up.

42 min “It gets worse Rob!” says Gary Naylor. “If the ref blows for the foul on Pulisic after he got the shot away (that goes wide), it would be a penalty but maybe not a red card. Why? Pulisic did get a goal scoring opportunity, mitigated, but not denied, by the foul. MOGSO not DOGSO! Where’s William Goldman when you need him?”

See, I informed you we couldn’t make Naylor up.

41 min Havertz is a bit fortunate to keep away from a yellow card for a late deal with on Senesi.

40 min Bournemouth are nonetheless attacking with function and optimism. Lerma robs Zakaria in midfield, which permits Cook to slip a via ball in the direction of Moore. Thiago Silva comes throughout to make an immaculate interception.

38 min “The combination of Sterling and James on the Chelsea right wing is too much for Bournemouth to cope with,” says Neil Pinkerton. “If only James had been available for the World Cup.”

He is a improbable participant, however did England actually miss him? Kyle Walker couldn’t have performed Mbappe a lot better. James may need carried extra of an attacking menace I suppose, notably within the final quarter-hour. I assumed Alexander-Arnold ought to have come on after they went 2-1 down.

37 min Zemura costs into the world from the left and is nicely tackled by Zakaria. The ensuing nook is headed away on the close to publish.

36 min “Have you actually slept recently, you are always on duty,” says Jeremy Boyce. “I am surely only the 1057th person to have noted that Mary is leading us a Merry Waltz, and is in fact a creation of the Grauniad’s staff as a coverall for any time there aren’t enough readers writing in, just to get some email action going ? Funnily enough, there she is for the second goal, and here I am writing in… It’s a funny old game football, ain’t it Saint?”

People used to say the identical about Gary Naylor. Then they met him and realised – and I say this with love – that you simply couldn’t make Naylor up.

34 min Thiago wafts an absurd lengthy cross over the defence to Havertz, who’s fractionally offside.

33 min Chelsea are nicely on prime now, and so they look particularly harmful down the precise via Sterling, James and Mount.

31 min “When I’m not following the football, I have started working through the King William’s College Quiz,” says Joe Pearson. “After HOURS of research, I’ve only answered about twenty out of the 180 questions. Lots of obscure history and literature references. Where are the footie questions!”

Yes, I can see it now.

1. who did not survive her tenth confinement?

2. who greeted premiers previous and current two days earlier than she died?

3. towards which membership did Jesper Blomqvist make his Man Utd debut?

29 min Cook makes a very good problem on Pulisic, however each males are injured within the course of. There’s a break in play whereas they obtain remedy.

27 min Lerma clips a superb cross over Cucurella to seek out Stacey on the precise facet of the world. He tries to chest the ball again inside Cucurella, who stands proud a leg and makes a vital interception.

27 min “Pulisic was pulled,” says Mary Waltz. “But I think the officials’ judgment was correct. Which, for me, is another reason to bin VAR. VAR’s whole purpose was to eliminate controversy over officials’ calls, it has generated just as much controversy as it has eliminated. Go back to pre-VAR and accept the fact that mistakes will be made.”

26 min Bournemouth have switched to their normal 4-4-2, with Jack Stacey transferring to the precise of midfield.

Mount virtually put Zakaria via on objective with an imaginative first-time cross. Zakaria was crowded out however Havertz collected the unfastened ball and performed it again to Mount on the sting of the D. He used Lerma as a display and swept a beautiful curling shot into the bottom-right nook. Travers had no likelihood.

A contact of sophistication from Mason Mount!

23 min “The point is moot now,” says Andy Flintoff, “but if Pulisic had not thrown his arms out in appeal after the tug, he’d have been better balanced for the shot and probably would have scored.”

At the danger of changing into the Trevor Brooking of the MBM world, I can see each side!

22 min Zakaria fell into one of many Bournemouth gamers at a nook, ramming his head into their again I feel. He’s on his toes and appears okay.

21 min “Yessss,” says Jeff Sachs, “but Nunez would have missed…”

Let’s reserve it for the subsequent Liverpool MBM, however in brief, he’s going to be a star.

20 min Zakaria is down with a head harm, which suggests a break in play.

18 min “Pulisic will dive next time before he gets the shot off – and I certainly won’t blame him,” says Gary Naylor.

I assumed he dived then, whereas additionally hedging his bets and having a shot. It most likely was a foul, although the way in which he went down might have counted towards him. There was an attention-grabbing penalty at Arsenal final night time after a not dissimilar incident., however on that event Jarrod Bowen tried to remain on his toes.

That was a very good staff objective. Mount eased a pleasant ball down the precise to Sterling, who angled a devastating first-time cross in the direction of Havertz on the far publish. He slid in to pressure the ball via Travers from 4 yards.

Kai Havertz 1-0 Jeff Sachs!

15 min I can see why VAR didn’t overturn that call – there wasn’t that a lot contact, subsequently it wasn’t a transparent and apparent error – though I haven’t actually received a clue what constitutes a foul any extra.

12 min: Chelsea penalty attraction! Pulisic collects a unfastened ball on the sting of the D and surges into the world. Smith panics and grabs his shirt, and Pulisic accepts the invitation to go down earlier than taking pictures extensive on the stretch. Simon Hooper says no penalty and VAR isn’t . Hmm. It wasn’t a lot of a shirt pull, and Pulisic actually made probably the most of it, but it surely was nonetheless a shirt pull.

Smith is fortunate as a result of, had a penalty been given, he would have been despatched off as nicely.

11 min Thiago continues to be limping, although there’s no signal of him coming off.

10 min “I am the lone person in the office today – despite not being a holiday here in the good ol’ USA, everyone else is off,” says Rachel Clifton. “So the MBM is even more of a godsend than usual. And it isn’t Southampton…”

I used to be shocked to see that they’re backside of the desk. Looks like one of the best ways for a south coast staff to keep away from relegation is to get tonked 9-0 early within the season.

8 min Maybe Jeff Sachs was proper: Havertz has simply missed an opportunity, heading over from Cucurella’s deep, floated cross. It wasn’t the best alternative, however he ought to most likely have hit the goal.

8 min “Not getting a holiday break?” says Jeff Sachs. “Havertz is as good as Nunez at missing.”

Tough crowd!

7 min Thiago Silva is limping, which is an issue for Chelsea. They do have Trevoh Chalobah on the bench.

5 min Bournemouth are enjoying with a again 5, as predicted, although Billing is enjoying alongside Lerma and Cook in midfield quite than in entrance of them.

3 min Mount’s nook is dummied by Sterling, which permits the ball to run in the direction of Reece James on the sting of the world. He mishits a shot into the gang and Bournemouth clear.

2 min Chelsea’s form is a 4-2-3-1, as we anticipated, however with Sterling on the precise and Pulisic on the left.

2 min Billing’s free-kick is saved comfortably by Kepa. Chelsea break and Havertz wins the primary nook of the sport.

1 min Solanke, as soon as of Chelsea, slaloms previous two gamers earlier than being taken out by Thiago Silva. Free-kick to Bournemouth 30 yards from objective…

1 min Peep peep! Chelsea, kicking from proper to left as we watch, get the sport below means.

There’s a minute’s applause for the nice George Cohen, who died final week aged 83. And now it’s time for the motion.

“Greetings and felicitations,” writes Vincent. “Time for the Blues to show us what they’ve got Rob, mid-table is not good enough; greetings from all here.”

And from right here. Merry Christmas to all!

“Here in the U-S-A! U-S-A!! U-S-A!!!, Snakes and Ladders is marketed as Chutes and Ladders,” writes Peter Oh. “Bournemouth forwards take note. If you want to score you’ve got to CHUTE!, er, SHOOT!”

These are thrilling occasions for Bournemouth. Gary O’Neil was appointed as everlasting supervisor through the World Cup, having achieved a wonderful job as caretaker, and the American Bill Foley accomplished his takeover a few weeks in the past.

It’s a grim outdated night time in west London, with the rain hooning down. Not fairly a moist, windy one in Stoke, however Amazon Prime do have Tony Pulis as one in every of their pundits.

And if he doesn’t change Chelsea’s fortunes, at the least he’ll be given a fortune after they pay him up. For every kind of causes, I actually, actually hope he succeeds.

The state of play

Chelsea begin the sport in ninth place. They’re additionally 9 factors off a Champions League place, although they’ve two video games in hand on fourth-place Spurs.

Bournemouth are 14th, three factors above the relegation locations in what’s an more and more compelling recreation of Snakes and Ladders. A win tonight would transfer them as much as twelfth.

The magnificent Reece James returns to the Chelsea staff for the primary time since mid-October, whereas Denis Zakaria makes his Premier League debut in midfield. Hakim Ziyech and Mateo Kovacic, who went the space on the World Cup, should not included within the squad. All informed, Chelsea are with out eight first-team gamers.

Bournemouth are with out the spectacular Marcus Tavernier, who’s injured, so Jack Stacey comes into the facet. That most likely means a swap to a again 5. Lloyd Kelly additionally returns rather than Jack Stephens.

Chelsea (potential 4-2-3-1) Arrizabalaga; James, Thiago Silva, Koulibaly, Cucurella; Jorginho, Zakaria; Pulisic, Mount, Sterling; Havertz.
Substitutes: Bettinelli, Chalobah, Azpilicueta, Humphreys, Gallagher, Hutchinson, Hall, Aubameyang.

Bournemouth (potential 5-2-1-2) Travers; Stacey, Smith, Senesi, Kelly, Zemura; Cook, Lerma; Billing; Solanke, Moore.
Substitutes: Plain, Stephens, Christie, Marcondes, Rothwell, Pearson, Lowe, Anthony, Dembele.

Referee Simon Hooper

Hello and welcome to live protection of Chelsea v Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge. The World Cup got here at a very good second for Chelsea, who wanted a day out after struggling three successive league defeats. Most of their gamers have been both in Qatar or the remedy room, so Graham Potter hasn’t actually had time to work his teaching magic, however a reset is perhaps the subsequent smartest thing.

Bournemouth additionally had a dodgy run earlier than the World Cup, shedding 4 league video games on the spin, however they completed half one of many Premier League season on a excessive after they routed Everton 3-0. They have a superb current document at Chelsea, with three wins in 5 Premier League video games, so a visit to Stamford Bridge ought to maintain no fears for them. Unlike the remainder of Great Britain, Bournemouth will journey with confidence.

Kick off 5.30pm.

It’s been a stroll within the rain for Chelsea. Kai Havertz completed off a very good transfer to provide them the lead, then Mason Mount scored a objective of unobtrusive class to make it two. Bournemouth have fought laborious, however they’ve been outplayed.

45+2 min That’s a fair higher save from Travers, who reaches to his left to paw Sterling’s fierce rising drive around the close to publish.

45+1 min Mount cracks a cross out in the direction of James on the precise facet of the world. Zemura comes throughout, however James wins a forty five/55 ball and smashes a shot that’s blocked on the close to publish by Travers.

45+1 min Four minutes of added time.

45 min “As an Arsenal fan I tuned in early from Canada’s west coast this morning looking for a turgid Chelsea to get their hindquarters handed to them in a can once again — only to find them playing attractive, flowing football and leading deservedly,” weeps Allan Castle. “Very disappointing, although my mood was lifted by that shot of sad Auba on the bench!”

Merry Christmas!

44 min It’s all taking place right here! A dodgy sq. cross from Thiago results in a penalty attraction for Bournemouth. Play continues, Chelsea break and Pulisic scores on the different finish – however the objective is disallowed for a softish foul by Havertz on Smith (I feel) within the construct up.

42 min “It gets worse Rob!” says Gary Naylor. “If the ref blows for the foul on Pulisic after he got the shot away (that goes wide), it would be a penalty but maybe not a red card. Why? Pulisic did get a goal scoring opportunity, mitigated, but not denied, by the foul. MOGSO not DOGSO! Where’s William Goldman when you need him?”

See, I informed you we couldn’t make Naylor up.

41 min Havertz is a bit fortunate to keep away from a yellow card for a late deal with on Senesi.

40 min Bournemouth are nonetheless attacking with function and optimism. Lerma robs Zakaria in midfield, which permits Cook to slip a via ball in the direction of Moore. Thiago Silva comes throughout to make an immaculate interception.

38 min “The combination of Sterling and James on the Chelsea right wing is too much for Bournemouth to cope with,” says Neil Pinkerton. “If only James had been available for the World Cup.”

He is a improbable participant, however did England actually miss him? Kyle Walker couldn’t have performed Mbappe a lot better. James may need carried extra of an attacking menace I suppose, notably within the final quarter-hour. I assumed Alexander-Arnold ought to have come on after they went 2-1 down.

37 min Zemura costs into the world from the left and is nicely tackled by Zakaria. The ensuing nook is headed away on the close to publish.

36 min “Have you actually slept recently, you are always on duty,” says Jeremy Boyce. “I am surely only the 1057th person to have noted that Mary is leading us a Merry Waltz, and is in fact a creation of the Grauniad’s staff as a coverall for any time there aren’t enough readers writing in, just to get some email action going ? Funnily enough, there she is for the second goal, and here I am writing in… It’s a funny old game football, ain’t it Saint?”

People used to say the identical about Gary Naylor. Then they met him and realised – and I say this with love – that you simply couldn’t make Naylor up.

34 min Thiago wafts an absurd lengthy cross over the defence to Havertz, who’s fractionally offside.

33 min Chelsea are nicely on prime now, and so they look particularly harmful down the precise via Sterling, James and Mount.

31 min “When I’m not following the football, I have started working through the King William’s College Quiz,” says Joe Pearson. “After HOURS of research, I’ve only answered about twenty out of the 180 questions. Lots of obscure history and literature references. Where are the footie questions!”

Yes, I can see it now.

1. who did not survive her tenth confinement?

2. who greeted premiers previous and current two days earlier than she died?

3. towards which membership did Jesper Blomqvist make his Man Utd debut?

29 min Cook makes a very good problem on Pulisic, however each males are injured within the course of. There’s a break in play whereas they obtain remedy.

27 min Lerma clips a superb cross over Cucurella to seek out Stacey on the precise facet of the world. He tries to chest the ball again inside Cucurella, who stands proud a leg and makes a vital interception.

27 min “Pulisic was pulled,” says Mary Waltz. “But I think the officials’ judgment was correct. Which, for me, is another reason to bin VAR. VAR’s whole purpose was to eliminate controversy over officials’ calls, it has generated just as much controversy as it has eliminated. Go back to pre-VAR and accept the fact that mistakes will be made.”

26 min Bournemouth have switched to their normal 4-4-2, with Jack Stacey transferring to the precise of midfield.

Mount virtually put Zakaria via on objective with an imaginative first-time cross. Zakaria was crowded out however Havertz collected the unfastened ball and performed it again to Mount on the sting of the D. He used Lerma as a display and swept a beautiful curling shot into the bottom-right nook. Travers had no likelihood.

A contact of sophistication from Mason Mount!

23 min “The point is moot now,” says Andy Flintoff, “but if Pulisic had not thrown his arms out in appeal after the tug, he’d have been better balanced for the shot and probably would have scored.”

At the danger of changing into the Trevor Brooking of the MBM world, I can see each side!

22 min Zakaria fell into one of many Bournemouth gamers at a nook, ramming his head into their again I feel. He’s on his toes and appears okay.

21 min “Yessss,” says Jeff Sachs, “but Nunez would have missed…”

Let’s reserve it for the subsequent Liverpool MBM, however in brief, he’s going to be a star.

20 min Zakaria is down with a head harm, which suggests a break in play.

18 min “Pulisic will dive next time before he gets the shot off – and I certainly won’t blame him,” says Gary Naylor.

I assumed he dived then, whereas additionally hedging his bets and having a shot. It most likely was a foul, although the way in which he went down might have counted towards him. There was an attention-grabbing penalty at Arsenal final night time after a not dissimilar incident., however on that event Jarrod Bowen tried to remain on his toes.

That was a very good staff objective. Mount eased a pleasant ball down the precise to Sterling, who angled a devastating first-time cross in the direction of Havertz on the far publish. He slid in to pressure the ball via Travers from 4 yards.

Kai Havertz 1-0 Jeff Sachs!

15 min I can see why VAR didn’t overturn that call – there wasn’t that a lot contact, subsequently it wasn’t a transparent and apparent error – though I haven’t actually received a clue what constitutes a foul any extra.

12 min: Chelsea penalty attraction! Pulisic collects a unfastened ball on the sting of the D and surges into the world. Smith panics and grabs his shirt, and Pulisic accepts the invitation to go down earlier than taking pictures extensive on the stretch. Simon Hooper says no penalty and VAR isn’t . Hmm. It wasn’t a lot of a shirt pull, and Pulisic actually made probably the most of it, but it surely was nonetheless a shirt pull.

Smith is fortunate as a result of, had a penalty been given, he would have been despatched off as nicely.

11 min Thiago continues to be limping, although there’s no signal of him coming off.

10 min “I am the lone person in the office today – despite not being a holiday here in the good ol’ USA, everyone else is off,” says Rachel Clifton. “So the MBM is even more of a godsend than usual. And it isn’t Southampton…”

I used to be shocked to see that they’re backside of the desk. Looks like one of the best ways for a south coast staff to keep away from relegation is to get tonked 9-0 early within the season.

8 min Maybe Jeff Sachs was proper: Havertz has simply missed an opportunity, heading over from Cucurella’s deep, floated cross. It wasn’t the best alternative, however he ought to most likely have hit the goal.

8 min “Not getting a holiday break?” says Jeff Sachs. “Havertz is as good as Nunez at missing.”

Tough crowd!

7 min Thiago Silva is limping, which is an issue for Chelsea. They do have Trevoh Chalobah on the bench.

5 min Bournemouth are enjoying with a again 5, as predicted, although Billing is enjoying alongside Lerma and Cook in midfield quite than in entrance of them.

3 min Mount’s nook is dummied by Sterling, which permits the ball to run in the direction of Reece James on the sting of the world. He mishits a shot into the gang and Bournemouth clear.

2 min Chelsea’s form is a 4-2-3-1, as we anticipated, however with Sterling on the precise and Pulisic on the left.

2 min Billing’s free-kick is saved comfortably by Kepa. Chelsea break and Havertz wins the primary nook of the sport.

1 min Solanke, as soon as of Chelsea, slaloms previous two gamers earlier than being taken out by Thiago Silva. Free-kick to Bournemouth 30 yards from objective…

1 min Peep peep! Chelsea, kicking from proper to left as we watch, get the sport below means.

There’s a minute’s applause for the nice George Cohen, who died final week aged 83. And now it’s time for the motion.

“Greetings and felicitations,” writes Vincent. “Time for the Blues to show us what they’ve got Rob, mid-table is not good enough; greetings from all here.”

And from right here. Merry Christmas to all!

“Here in the U-S-A! U-S-A!! U-S-A!!!, Snakes and Ladders is marketed as Chutes and Ladders,” writes Peter Oh. “Bournemouth forwards take note. If you want to score you’ve got to CHUTE!, er, SHOOT!”

These are thrilling occasions for Bournemouth. Gary O’Neil was appointed as everlasting supervisor through the World Cup, having achieved a wonderful job as caretaker, and the American Bill Foley accomplished his takeover a few weeks in the past.

It’s a grim outdated night time in west London, with the rain hooning down. Not fairly a moist, windy one in Stoke, however Amazon Prime do have Tony Pulis as one in every of their pundits.

And if he doesn’t change Chelsea’s fortunes, at the least he’ll be given a fortune after they pay him up. For every kind of causes, I actually, actually hope he succeeds.

The state of play

Chelsea begin the sport in ninth place. They’re additionally 9 factors off a Champions League place, although they’ve two video games in hand on fourth-place Spurs.

Bournemouth are 14th, three factors above the relegation locations in what’s an more and more compelling recreation of Snakes and Ladders. A win tonight would transfer them as much as twelfth.

The magnificent Reece James returns to the Chelsea staff for the primary time since mid-October, whereas Denis Zakaria makes his Premier League debut in midfield. Hakim Ziyech and Mateo Kovacic, who went the space on the World Cup, should not included within the squad. All informed, Chelsea are with out eight first-team gamers.

Bournemouth are with out the spectacular Marcus Tavernier, who’s injured, so Jack Stacey comes into the facet. That most likely means a swap to a again 5. Lloyd Kelly additionally returns rather than Jack Stephens.

Chelsea (potential 4-2-3-1) Arrizabalaga; James, Thiago Silva, Koulibaly, Cucurella; Jorginho, Zakaria; Pulisic, Mount, Sterling; Havertz.
Substitutes: Bettinelli, Chalobah, Azpilicueta, Humphreys, Gallagher, Hutchinson, Hall, Aubameyang.

Bournemouth (potential 5-2-1-2) Travers; Stacey, Smith, Senesi, Kelly, Zemura; Cook, Lerma; Billing; Solanke, Moore.
Substitutes: Plain, Stephens, Christie, Marcondes, Rothwell, Pearson, Lowe, Anthony, Dembele.

Referee Simon Hooper

Hello and welcome to live protection of Chelsea v Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge. The World Cup got here at a very good second for Chelsea, who wanted a day out after struggling three successive league defeats. Most of their gamers have been both in Qatar or the remedy room, so Graham Potter hasn’t actually had time to work his teaching magic, however a reset is perhaps the subsequent smartest thing.

Bournemouth additionally had a dodgy run earlier than the World Cup, shedding 4 league video games on the spin, however they completed half one of many Premier League season on a excessive after they routed Everton 3-0. They have a superb current document at Chelsea, with three wins in 5 Premier League video games, so a visit to Stamford Bridge ought to maintain no fears for them. Unlike the remainder of Great Britain, Bournemouth will journey with confidence.

Kick off 5.30pm.

It’s been a stroll within the rain for Chelsea. Kai Havertz completed off a very good transfer to provide them the lead, then Mason Mount scored a objective of unobtrusive class to make it two. Bournemouth have fought laborious, however they’ve been outplayed.

45+2 min That’s a fair higher save from Travers, who reaches to his left to paw Sterling’s fierce rising drive around the close to publish.

45+1 min Mount cracks a cross out in the direction of James on the precise facet of the world. Zemura comes throughout, however James wins a forty five/55 ball and smashes a shot that’s blocked on the close to publish by Travers.

45+1 min Four minutes of added time.

45 min “As an Arsenal fan I tuned in early from Canada’s west coast this morning looking for a turgid Chelsea to get their hindquarters handed to them in a can once again — only to find them playing attractive, flowing football and leading deservedly,” weeps Allan Castle. “Very disappointing, although my mood was lifted by that shot of sad Auba on the bench!”

Merry Christmas!

44 min It’s all taking place right here! A dodgy sq. cross from Thiago results in a penalty attraction for Bournemouth. Play continues, Chelsea break and Pulisic scores on the different finish – however the objective is disallowed for a softish foul by Havertz on Smith (I feel) within the construct up.

42 min “It gets worse Rob!” says Gary Naylor. “If the ref blows for the foul on Pulisic after he got the shot away (that goes wide), it would be a penalty but maybe not a red card. Why? Pulisic did get a goal scoring opportunity, mitigated, but not denied, by the foul. MOGSO not DOGSO! Where’s William Goldman when you need him?”

See, I informed you we couldn’t make Naylor up.

41 min Havertz is a bit fortunate to keep away from a yellow card for a late deal with on Senesi.

40 min Bournemouth are nonetheless attacking with function and optimism. Lerma robs Zakaria in midfield, which permits Cook to slip a via ball in the direction of Moore. Thiago Silva comes throughout to make an immaculate interception.

38 min “The combination of Sterling and James on the Chelsea right wing is too much for Bournemouth to cope with,” says Neil Pinkerton. “If only James had been available for the World Cup.”

He is a improbable participant, however did England actually miss him? Kyle Walker couldn’t have performed Mbappe a lot better. James may need carried extra of an attacking menace I suppose, notably within the final quarter-hour. I assumed Alexander-Arnold ought to have come on after they went 2-1 down.

37 min Zemura costs into the world from the left and is nicely tackled by Zakaria. The ensuing nook is headed away on the close to publish.

36 min “Have you actually slept recently, you are always on duty,” says Jeremy Boyce. “I am surely only the 1057th person to have noted that Mary is leading us a Merry Waltz, and is in fact a creation of the Grauniad’s staff as a coverall for any time there aren’t enough readers writing in, just to get some email action going ? Funnily enough, there she is for the second goal, and here I am writing in… It’s a funny old game football, ain’t it Saint?”

People used to say the identical about Gary Naylor. Then they met him and realised – and I say this with love – that you simply couldn’t make Naylor up.

34 min Thiago wafts an absurd lengthy cross over the defence to Havertz, who’s fractionally offside.

33 min Chelsea are nicely on prime now, and so they look particularly harmful down the precise via Sterling, James and Mount.

31 min “When I’m not following the football, I have started working through the King William’s College Quiz,” says Joe Pearson. “After HOURS of research, I’ve only answered about twenty out of the 180 questions. Lots of obscure history and literature references. Where are the footie questions!”

Yes, I can see it now.

1. who did not survive her tenth confinement?

2. who greeted premiers previous and current two days earlier than she died?

3. towards which membership did Jesper Blomqvist make his Man Utd debut?

29 min Cook makes a very good problem on Pulisic, however each males are injured within the course of. There’s a break in play whereas they obtain remedy.

27 min Lerma clips a superb cross over Cucurella to seek out Stacey on the precise facet of the world. He tries to chest the ball again inside Cucurella, who stands proud a leg and makes a vital interception.

27 min “Pulisic was pulled,” says Mary Waltz. “But I think the officials’ judgment was correct. Which, for me, is another reason to bin VAR. VAR’s whole purpose was to eliminate controversy over officials’ calls, it has generated just as much controversy as it has eliminated. Go back to pre-VAR and accept the fact that mistakes will be made.”

26 min Bournemouth have switched to their normal 4-4-2, with Jack Stacey transferring to the precise of midfield.

Mount virtually put Zakaria via on objective with an imaginative first-time cross. Zakaria was crowded out however Havertz collected the unfastened ball and performed it again to Mount on the sting of the D. He used Lerma as a display and swept a beautiful curling shot into the bottom-right nook. Travers had no likelihood.

A contact of sophistication from Mason Mount!

23 min “The point is moot now,” says Andy Flintoff, “but if Pulisic had not thrown his arms out in appeal after the tug, he’d have been better balanced for the shot and probably would have scored.”

At the danger of changing into the Trevor Brooking of the MBM world, I can see each side!

22 min Zakaria fell into one of many Bournemouth gamers at a nook, ramming his head into their again I feel. He’s on his toes and appears okay.

21 min “Yessss,” says Jeff Sachs, “but Nunez would have missed…”

Let’s reserve it for the subsequent Liverpool MBM, however in brief, he’s going to be a star.

20 min Zakaria is down with a head harm, which suggests a break in play.

18 min “Pulisic will dive next time before he gets the shot off – and I certainly won’t blame him,” says Gary Naylor.

I assumed he dived then, whereas additionally hedging his bets and having a shot. It most likely was a foul, although the way in which he went down might have counted towards him. There was an attention-grabbing penalty at Arsenal final night time after a not dissimilar incident., however on that event Jarrod Bowen tried to remain on his toes.

That was a very good staff objective. Mount eased a pleasant ball down the precise to Sterling, who angled a devastating first-time cross in the direction of Havertz on the far publish. He slid in to pressure the ball via Travers from 4 yards.

Kai Havertz 1-0 Jeff Sachs!

15 min I can see why VAR didn’t overturn that call – there wasn’t that a lot contact, subsequently it wasn’t a transparent and apparent error – though I haven’t actually received a clue what constitutes a foul any extra.

12 min: Chelsea penalty attraction! Pulisic collects a unfastened ball on the sting of the D and surges into the world. Smith panics and grabs his shirt, and Pulisic accepts the invitation to go down earlier than taking pictures extensive on the stretch. Simon Hooper says no penalty and VAR isn’t . Hmm. It wasn’t a lot of a shirt pull, and Pulisic actually made probably the most of it, but it surely was nonetheless a shirt pull.

Smith is fortunate as a result of, had a penalty been given, he would have been despatched off as nicely.

11 min Thiago continues to be limping, although there’s no signal of him coming off.

10 min “I am the lone person in the office today – despite not being a holiday here in the good ol’ USA, everyone else is off,” says Rachel Clifton. “So the MBM is even more of a godsend than usual. And it isn’t Southampton…”

I used to be shocked to see that they’re backside of the desk. Looks like one of the best ways for a south coast staff to keep away from relegation is to get tonked 9-0 early within the season.

8 min Maybe Jeff Sachs was proper: Havertz has simply missed an opportunity, heading over from Cucurella’s deep, floated cross. It wasn’t the best alternative, however he ought to most likely have hit the goal.

8 min “Not getting a holiday break?” says Jeff Sachs. “Havertz is as good as Nunez at missing.”

Tough crowd!

7 min Thiago Silva is limping, which is an issue for Chelsea. They do have Trevoh Chalobah on the bench.

5 min Bournemouth are enjoying with a again 5, as predicted, although Billing is enjoying alongside Lerma and Cook in midfield quite than in entrance of them.

3 min Mount’s nook is dummied by Sterling, which permits the ball to run in the direction of Reece James on the sting of the world. He mishits a shot into the gang and Bournemouth clear.

2 min Chelsea’s form is a 4-2-3-1, as we anticipated, however with Sterling on the precise and Pulisic on the left.

2 min Billing’s free-kick is saved comfortably by Kepa. Chelsea break and Havertz wins the primary nook of the sport.

1 min Solanke, as soon as of Chelsea, slaloms previous two gamers earlier than being taken out by Thiago Silva. Free-kick to Bournemouth 30 yards from objective…

1 min Peep peep! Chelsea, kicking from proper to left as we watch, get the sport below means.

There’s a minute’s applause for the nice George Cohen, who died final week aged 83. And now it’s time for the motion.

“Greetings and felicitations,” writes Vincent. “Time for the Blues to show us what they’ve got Rob, mid-table is not good enough; greetings from all here.”

And from right here. Merry Christmas to all!

“Here in the U-S-A! U-S-A!! U-S-A!!!, Snakes and Ladders is marketed as Chutes and Ladders,” writes Peter Oh. “Bournemouth forwards take note. If you want to score you’ve got to CHUTE!, er, SHOOT!”

These are thrilling occasions for Bournemouth. Gary O’Neil was appointed as everlasting supervisor through the World Cup, having achieved a wonderful job as caretaker, and the American Bill Foley accomplished his takeover a few weeks in the past.

It’s a grim outdated night time in west London, with the rain hooning down. Not fairly a moist, windy one in Stoke, however Amazon Prime do have Tony Pulis as one in every of their pundits.

And if he doesn’t change Chelsea’s fortunes, at the least he’ll be given a fortune after they pay him up. For every kind of causes, I actually, actually hope he succeeds.

The state of play

Chelsea begin the sport in ninth place. They’re additionally 9 factors off a Champions League place, although they’ve two video games in hand on fourth-place Spurs.

Bournemouth are 14th, three factors above the relegation locations in what’s an more and more compelling recreation of Snakes and Ladders. A win tonight would transfer them as much as twelfth.

The magnificent Reece James returns to the Chelsea staff for the primary time since mid-October, whereas Denis Zakaria makes his Premier League debut in midfield. Hakim Ziyech and Mateo Kovacic, who went the space on the World Cup, should not included within the squad. All informed, Chelsea are with out eight first-team gamers.

Bournemouth are with out the spectacular Marcus Tavernier, who’s injured, so Jack Stacey comes into the facet. That most likely means a swap to a again 5. Lloyd Kelly additionally returns rather than Jack Stephens.

Chelsea (potential 4-2-3-1) Arrizabalaga; James, Thiago Silva, Koulibaly, Cucurella; Jorginho, Zakaria; Pulisic, Mount, Sterling; Havertz.
Substitutes: Bettinelli, Chalobah, Azpilicueta, Humphreys, Gallagher, Hutchinson, Hall, Aubameyang.

Bournemouth (potential 5-2-1-2) Travers; Stacey, Smith, Senesi, Kelly, Zemura; Cook, Lerma; Billing; Solanke, Moore.
Substitutes: Plain, Stephens, Christie, Marcondes, Rothwell, Pearson, Lowe, Anthony, Dembele.

Referee Simon Hooper

Hello and welcome to live protection of Chelsea v Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge. The World Cup got here at a very good second for Chelsea, who wanted a day out after struggling three successive league defeats. Most of their gamers have been both in Qatar or the remedy room, so Graham Potter hasn’t actually had time to work his teaching magic, however a reset is perhaps the subsequent smartest thing.

Bournemouth additionally had a dodgy run earlier than the World Cup, shedding 4 league video games on the spin, however they completed half one of many Premier League season on a excessive after they routed Everton 3-0. They have a superb current document at Chelsea, with three wins in 5 Premier League video games, so a visit to Stamford Bridge ought to maintain no fears for them. Unlike the remainder of Great Britain, Bournemouth will journey with confidence.

Kick off 5.30pm.

It’s been a stroll within the rain for Chelsea. Kai Havertz completed off a very good transfer to provide them the lead, then Mason Mount scored a objective of unobtrusive class to make it two. Bournemouth have fought laborious, however they’ve been outplayed.

45+2 min That’s a fair higher save from Travers, who reaches to his left to paw Sterling’s fierce rising drive around the close to publish.

45+1 min Mount cracks a cross out in the direction of James on the precise facet of the world. Zemura comes throughout, however James wins a forty five/55 ball and smashes a shot that’s blocked on the close to publish by Travers.

45+1 min Four minutes of added time.

45 min “As an Arsenal fan I tuned in early from Canada’s west coast this morning looking for a turgid Chelsea to get their hindquarters handed to them in a can once again — only to find them playing attractive, flowing football and leading deservedly,” weeps Allan Castle. “Very disappointing, although my mood was lifted by that shot of sad Auba on the bench!”

Merry Christmas!

44 min It’s all taking place right here! A dodgy sq. cross from Thiago results in a penalty attraction for Bournemouth. Play continues, Chelsea break and Pulisic scores on the different finish – however the objective is disallowed for a softish foul by Havertz on Smith (I feel) within the construct up.

42 min “It gets worse Rob!” says Gary Naylor. “If the ref blows for the foul on Pulisic after he got the shot away (that goes wide), it would be a penalty but maybe not a red card. Why? Pulisic did get a goal scoring opportunity, mitigated, but not denied, by the foul. MOGSO not DOGSO! Where’s William Goldman when you need him?”

See, I informed you we couldn’t make Naylor up.

41 min Havertz is a bit fortunate to keep away from a yellow card for a late deal with on Senesi.

40 min Bournemouth are nonetheless attacking with function and optimism. Lerma robs Zakaria in midfield, which permits Cook to slip a via ball in the direction of Moore. Thiago Silva comes throughout to make an immaculate interception.

38 min “The combination of Sterling and James on the Chelsea right wing is too much for Bournemouth to cope with,” says Neil Pinkerton. “If only James had been available for the World Cup.”

He is a improbable participant, however did England actually miss him? Kyle Walker couldn’t have performed Mbappe a lot better. James may need carried extra of an attacking menace I suppose, notably within the final quarter-hour. I assumed Alexander-Arnold ought to have come on after they went 2-1 down.

37 min Zemura costs into the world from the left and is nicely tackled by Zakaria. The ensuing nook is headed away on the close to publish.

36 min “Have you actually slept recently, you are always on duty,” says Jeremy Boyce. “I am surely only the 1057th person to have noted that Mary is leading us a Merry Waltz, and is in fact a creation of the Grauniad’s staff as a coverall for any time there aren’t enough readers writing in, just to get some email action going ? Funnily enough, there she is for the second goal, and here I am writing in… It’s a funny old game football, ain’t it Saint?”

People used to say the identical about Gary Naylor. Then they met him and realised – and I say this with love – that you simply couldn’t make Naylor up.

34 min Thiago wafts an absurd lengthy cross over the defence to Havertz, who’s fractionally offside.

33 min Chelsea are nicely on prime now, and so they look particularly harmful down the precise via Sterling, James and Mount.

31 min “When I’m not following the football, I have started working through the King William’s College Quiz,” says Joe Pearson. “After HOURS of research, I’ve only answered about twenty out of the 180 questions. Lots of obscure history and literature references. Where are the footie questions!”

Yes, I can see it now.

1. who did not survive her tenth confinement?

2. who greeted premiers previous and current two days earlier than she died?

3. towards which membership did Jesper Blomqvist make his Man Utd debut?

29 min Cook makes a very good problem on Pulisic, however each males are injured within the course of. There’s a break in play whereas they obtain remedy.

27 min Lerma clips a superb cross over Cucurella to seek out Stacey on the precise facet of the world. He tries to chest the ball again inside Cucurella, who stands proud a leg and makes a vital interception.

27 min “Pulisic was pulled,” says Mary Waltz. “But I think the officials’ judgment was correct. Which, for me, is another reason to bin VAR. VAR’s whole purpose was to eliminate controversy over officials’ calls, it has generated just as much controversy as it has eliminated. Go back to pre-VAR and accept the fact that mistakes will be made.”

26 min Bournemouth have switched to their normal 4-4-2, with Jack Stacey transferring to the precise of midfield.

Mount virtually put Zakaria via on objective with an imaginative first-time cross. Zakaria was crowded out however Havertz collected the unfastened ball and performed it again to Mount on the sting of the D. He used Lerma as a display and swept a beautiful curling shot into the bottom-right nook. Travers had no likelihood.

A contact of sophistication from Mason Mount!

23 min “The point is moot now,” says Andy Flintoff, “but if Pulisic had not thrown his arms out in appeal after the tug, he’d have been better balanced for the shot and probably would have scored.”

At the danger of changing into the Trevor Brooking of the MBM world, I can see each side!

22 min Zakaria fell into one of many Bournemouth gamers at a nook, ramming his head into their again I feel. He’s on his toes and appears okay.

21 min “Yessss,” says Jeff Sachs, “but Nunez would have missed…”

Let’s reserve it for the subsequent Liverpool MBM, however in brief, he’s going to be a star.

20 min Zakaria is down with a head harm, which suggests a break in play.

18 min “Pulisic will dive next time before he gets the shot off – and I certainly won’t blame him,” says Gary Naylor.

I assumed he dived then, whereas additionally hedging his bets and having a shot. It most likely was a foul, although the way in which he went down might have counted towards him. There was an attention-grabbing penalty at Arsenal final night time after a not dissimilar incident., however on that event Jarrod Bowen tried to remain on his toes.

That was a very good staff objective. Mount eased a pleasant ball down the precise to Sterling, who angled a devastating first-time cross in the direction of Havertz on the far publish. He slid in to pressure the ball via Travers from 4 yards.

Kai Havertz 1-0 Jeff Sachs!

15 min I can see why VAR didn’t overturn that call – there wasn’t that a lot contact, subsequently it wasn’t a transparent and apparent error – though I haven’t actually received a clue what constitutes a foul any extra.

12 min: Chelsea penalty attraction! Pulisic collects a unfastened ball on the sting of the D and surges into the world. Smith panics and grabs his shirt, and Pulisic accepts the invitation to go down earlier than taking pictures extensive on the stretch. Simon Hooper says no penalty and VAR isn’t . Hmm. It wasn’t a lot of a shirt pull, and Pulisic actually made probably the most of it, but it surely was nonetheless a shirt pull.

Smith is fortunate as a result of, had a penalty been given, he would have been despatched off as nicely.

11 min Thiago continues to be limping, although there’s no signal of him coming off.

10 min “I am the lone person in the office today – despite not being a holiday here in the good ol’ USA, everyone else is off,” says Rachel Clifton. “So the MBM is even more of a godsend than usual. And it isn’t Southampton…”

I used to be shocked to see that they’re backside of the desk. Looks like one of the best ways for a south coast staff to keep away from relegation is to get tonked 9-0 early within the season.

8 min Maybe Jeff Sachs was proper: Havertz has simply missed an opportunity, heading over from Cucurella’s deep, floated cross. It wasn’t the best alternative, however he ought to most likely have hit the goal.

8 min “Not getting a holiday break?” says Jeff Sachs. “Havertz is as good as Nunez at missing.”

Tough crowd!

7 min Thiago Silva is limping, which is an issue for Chelsea. They do have Trevoh Chalobah on the bench.

5 min Bournemouth are enjoying with a again 5, as predicted, although Billing is enjoying alongside Lerma and Cook in midfield quite than in entrance of them.

3 min Mount’s nook is dummied by Sterling, which permits the ball to run in the direction of Reece James on the sting of the world. He mishits a shot into the gang and Bournemouth clear.

2 min Chelsea’s form is a 4-2-3-1, as we anticipated, however with Sterling on the precise and Pulisic on the left.

2 min Billing’s free-kick is saved comfortably by Kepa. Chelsea break and Havertz wins the primary nook of the sport.

1 min Solanke, as soon as of Chelsea, slaloms previous two gamers earlier than being taken out by Thiago Silva. Free-kick to Bournemouth 30 yards from objective…

1 min Peep peep! Chelsea, kicking from proper to left as we watch, get the sport below means.

There’s a minute’s applause for the nice George Cohen, who died final week aged 83. And now it’s time for the motion.

“Greetings and felicitations,” writes Vincent. “Time for the Blues to show us what they’ve got Rob, mid-table is not good enough; greetings from all here.”

And from right here. Merry Christmas to all!

“Here in the U-S-A! U-S-A!! U-S-A!!!, Snakes and Ladders is marketed as Chutes and Ladders,” writes Peter Oh. “Bournemouth forwards take note. If you want to score you’ve got to CHUTE!, er, SHOOT!”

These are thrilling occasions for Bournemouth. Gary O’Neil was appointed as everlasting supervisor through the World Cup, having achieved a wonderful job as caretaker, and the American Bill Foley accomplished his takeover a few weeks in the past.

It’s a grim outdated night time in west London, with the rain hooning down. Not fairly a moist, windy one in Stoke, however Amazon Prime do have Tony Pulis as one in every of their pundits.

And if he doesn’t change Chelsea’s fortunes, at the least he’ll be given a fortune after they pay him up. For every kind of causes, I actually, actually hope he succeeds.

The state of play

Chelsea begin the sport in ninth place. They’re additionally 9 factors off a Champions League place, although they’ve two video games in hand on fourth-place Spurs.

Bournemouth are 14th, three factors above the relegation locations in what’s an more and more compelling recreation of Snakes and Ladders. A win tonight would transfer them as much as twelfth.

The magnificent Reece James returns to the Chelsea staff for the primary time since mid-October, whereas Denis Zakaria makes his Premier League debut in midfield. Hakim Ziyech and Mateo Kovacic, who went the space on the World Cup, should not included within the squad. All informed, Chelsea are with out eight first-team gamers.

Bournemouth are with out the spectacular Marcus Tavernier, who’s injured, so Jack Stacey comes into the facet. That most likely means a swap to a again 5. Lloyd Kelly additionally returns rather than Jack Stephens.

Chelsea (potential 4-2-3-1) Arrizabalaga; James, Thiago Silva, Koulibaly, Cucurella; Jorginho, Zakaria; Pulisic, Mount, Sterling; Havertz.
Substitutes: Bettinelli, Chalobah, Azpilicueta, Humphreys, Gallagher, Hutchinson, Hall, Aubameyang.

Bournemouth (potential 5-2-1-2) Travers; Stacey, Smith, Senesi, Kelly, Zemura; Cook, Lerma; Billing; Solanke, Moore.
Substitutes: Plain, Stephens, Christie, Marcondes, Rothwell, Pearson, Lowe, Anthony, Dembele.

Referee Simon Hooper

Hello and welcome to live protection of Chelsea v Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge. The World Cup got here at a very good second for Chelsea, who wanted a day out after struggling three successive league defeats. Most of their gamers have been both in Qatar or the remedy room, so Graham Potter hasn’t actually had time to work his teaching magic, however a reset is perhaps the subsequent smartest thing.

Bournemouth additionally had a dodgy run earlier than the World Cup, shedding 4 league video games on the spin, however they completed half one of many Premier League season on a excessive after they routed Everton 3-0. They have a superb current document at Chelsea, with three wins in 5 Premier League video games, so a visit to Stamford Bridge ought to maintain no fears for them. Unlike the remainder of Great Britain, Bournemouth will journey with confidence.

Kick off 5.30pm.

It’s been a stroll within the rain for Chelsea. Kai Havertz completed off a very good transfer to provide them the lead, then Mason Mount scored a objective of unobtrusive class to make it two. Bournemouth have fought laborious, however they’ve been outplayed.

45+2 min That’s a fair higher save from Travers, who reaches to his left to paw Sterling’s fierce rising drive around the close to publish.

45+1 min Mount cracks a cross out in the direction of James on the precise facet of the world. Zemura comes throughout, however James wins a forty five/55 ball and smashes a shot that’s blocked on the close to publish by Travers.

45+1 min Four minutes of added time.

45 min “As an Arsenal fan I tuned in early from Canada’s west coast this morning looking for a turgid Chelsea to get their hindquarters handed to them in a can once again — only to find them playing attractive, flowing football and leading deservedly,” weeps Allan Castle. “Very disappointing, although my mood was lifted by that shot of sad Auba on the bench!”

Merry Christmas!

44 min It’s all taking place right here! A dodgy sq. cross from Thiago results in a penalty attraction for Bournemouth. Play continues, Chelsea break and Pulisic scores on the different finish – however the objective is disallowed for a softish foul by Havertz on Smith (I feel) within the construct up.

42 min “It gets worse Rob!” says Gary Naylor. “If the ref blows for the foul on Pulisic after he got the shot away (that goes wide), it would be a penalty but maybe not a red card. Why? Pulisic did get a goal scoring opportunity, mitigated, but not denied, by the foul. MOGSO not DOGSO! Where’s William Goldman when you need him?”

See, I informed you we couldn’t make Naylor up.

41 min Havertz is a bit fortunate to keep away from a yellow card for a late deal with on Senesi.

40 min Bournemouth are nonetheless attacking with function and optimism. Lerma robs Zakaria in midfield, which permits Cook to slip a via ball in the direction of Moore. Thiago Silva comes throughout to make an immaculate interception.

38 min “The combination of Sterling and James on the Chelsea right wing is too much for Bournemouth to cope with,” says Neil Pinkerton. “If only James had been available for the World Cup.”

He is a improbable participant, however did England actually miss him? Kyle Walker couldn’t have performed Mbappe a lot better. James may need carried extra of an attacking menace I suppose, notably within the final quarter-hour. I assumed Alexander-Arnold ought to have come on after they went 2-1 down.

37 min Zemura costs into the world from the left and is nicely tackled by Zakaria. The ensuing nook is headed away on the close to publish.

36 min “Have you actually slept recently, you are always on duty,” says Jeremy Boyce. “I am surely only the 1057th person to have noted that Mary is leading us a Merry Waltz, and is in fact a creation of the Grauniad’s staff as a coverall for any time there aren’t enough readers writing in, just to get some email action going ? Funnily enough, there she is for the second goal, and here I am writing in… It’s a funny old game football, ain’t it Saint?”

People used to say the identical about Gary Naylor. Then they met him and realised – and I say this with love – that you simply couldn’t make Naylor up.

34 min Thiago wafts an absurd lengthy cross over the defence to Havertz, who’s fractionally offside.

33 min Chelsea are nicely on prime now, and so they look particularly harmful down the precise via Sterling, James and Mount.

31 min “When I’m not following the football, I have started working through the King William’s College Quiz,” says Joe Pearson. “After HOURS of research, I’ve only answered about twenty out of the 180 questions. Lots of obscure history and literature references. Where are the footie questions!”

Yes, I can see it now.

1. who did not survive her tenth confinement?

2. who greeted premiers previous and current two days earlier than she died?

3. towards which membership did Jesper Blomqvist make his Man Utd debut?

29 min Cook makes a very good problem on Pulisic, however each males are injured within the course of. There’s a break in play whereas they obtain remedy.

27 min Lerma clips a superb cross over Cucurella to seek out Stacey on the precise facet of the world. He tries to chest the ball again inside Cucurella, who stands proud a leg and makes a vital interception.

27 min “Pulisic was pulled,” says Mary Waltz. “But I think the officials’ judgment was correct. Which, for me, is another reason to bin VAR. VAR’s whole purpose was to eliminate controversy over officials’ calls, it has generated just as much controversy as it has eliminated. Go back to pre-VAR and accept the fact that mistakes will be made.”

26 min Bournemouth have switched to their normal 4-4-2, with Jack Stacey transferring to the precise of midfield.

Mount virtually put Zakaria via on objective with an imaginative first-time cross. Zakaria was crowded out however Havertz collected the unfastened ball and performed it again to Mount on the sting of the D. He used Lerma as a display and swept a beautiful curling shot into the bottom-right nook. Travers had no likelihood.

A contact of sophistication from Mason Mount!

23 min “The point is moot now,” says Andy Flintoff, “but if Pulisic had not thrown his arms out in appeal after the tug, he’d have been better balanced for the shot and probably would have scored.”

At the danger of changing into the Trevor Brooking of the MBM world, I can see each side!

22 min Zakaria fell into one of many Bournemouth gamers at a nook, ramming his head into their again I feel. He’s on his toes and appears okay.

21 min “Yessss,” says Jeff Sachs, “but Nunez would have missed…”

Let’s reserve it for the subsequent Liverpool MBM, however in brief, he’s going to be a star.

20 min Zakaria is down with a head harm, which suggests a break in play.

18 min “Pulisic will dive next time before he gets the shot off – and I certainly won’t blame him,” says Gary Naylor.

I assumed he dived then, whereas additionally hedging his bets and having a shot. It most likely was a foul, although the way in which he went down might have counted towards him. There was an attention-grabbing penalty at Arsenal final night time after a not dissimilar incident., however on that event Jarrod Bowen tried to remain on his toes.

That was a very good staff objective. Mount eased a pleasant ball down the precise to Sterling, who angled a devastating first-time cross in the direction of Havertz on the far publish. He slid in to pressure the ball via Travers from 4 yards.

Kai Havertz 1-0 Jeff Sachs!

15 min I can see why VAR didn’t overturn that call – there wasn’t that a lot contact, subsequently it wasn’t a transparent and apparent error – though I haven’t actually received a clue what constitutes a foul any extra.

12 min: Chelsea penalty attraction! Pulisic collects a unfastened ball on the sting of the D and surges into the world. Smith panics and grabs his shirt, and Pulisic accepts the invitation to go down earlier than taking pictures extensive on the stretch. Simon Hooper says no penalty and VAR isn’t . Hmm. It wasn’t a lot of a shirt pull, and Pulisic actually made probably the most of it, but it surely was nonetheless a shirt pull.

Smith is fortunate as a result of, had a penalty been given, he would have been despatched off as nicely.

11 min Thiago continues to be limping, although there’s no signal of him coming off.

10 min “I am the lone person in the office today – despite not being a holiday here in the good ol’ USA, everyone else is off,” says Rachel Clifton. “So the MBM is even more of a godsend than usual. And it isn’t Southampton…”

I used to be shocked to see that they’re backside of the desk. Looks like one of the best ways for a south coast staff to keep away from relegation is to get tonked 9-0 early within the season.

8 min Maybe Jeff Sachs was proper: Havertz has simply missed an opportunity, heading over from Cucurella’s deep, floated cross. It wasn’t the best alternative, however he ought to most likely have hit the goal.

8 min “Not getting a holiday break?” says Jeff Sachs. “Havertz is as good as Nunez at missing.”

Tough crowd!

7 min Thiago Silva is limping, which is an issue for Chelsea. They do have Trevoh Chalobah on the bench.

5 min Bournemouth are enjoying with a again 5, as predicted, although Billing is enjoying alongside Lerma and Cook in midfield quite than in entrance of them.

3 min Mount’s nook is dummied by Sterling, which permits the ball to run in the direction of Reece James on the sting of the world. He mishits a shot into the gang and Bournemouth clear.

2 min Chelsea’s form is a 4-2-3-1, as we anticipated, however with Sterling on the precise and Pulisic on the left.

2 min Billing’s free-kick is saved comfortably by Kepa. Chelsea break and Havertz wins the primary nook of the sport.

1 min Solanke, as soon as of Chelsea, slaloms previous two gamers earlier than being taken out by Thiago Silva. Free-kick to Bournemouth 30 yards from objective…

1 min Peep peep! Chelsea, kicking from proper to left as we watch, get the sport below means.

There’s a minute’s applause for the nice George Cohen, who died final week aged 83. And now it’s time for the motion.

“Greetings and felicitations,” writes Vincent. “Time for the Blues to show us what they’ve got Rob, mid-table is not good enough; greetings from all here.”

And from right here. Merry Christmas to all!

“Here in the U-S-A! U-S-A!! U-S-A!!!, Snakes and Ladders is marketed as Chutes and Ladders,” writes Peter Oh. “Bournemouth forwards take note. If you want to score you’ve got to CHUTE!, er, SHOOT!”

These are thrilling occasions for Bournemouth. Gary O’Neil was appointed as everlasting supervisor through the World Cup, having achieved a wonderful job as caretaker, and the American Bill Foley accomplished his takeover a few weeks in the past.

It’s a grim outdated night time in west London, with the rain hooning down. Not fairly a moist, windy one in Stoke, however Amazon Prime do have Tony Pulis as one in every of their pundits.

And if he doesn’t change Chelsea’s fortunes, at the least he’ll be given a fortune after they pay him up. For every kind of causes, I actually, actually hope he succeeds.

The state of play

Chelsea begin the sport in ninth place. They’re additionally 9 factors off a Champions League place, although they’ve two video games in hand on fourth-place Spurs.

Bournemouth are 14th, three factors above the relegation locations in what’s an more and more compelling recreation of Snakes and Ladders. A win tonight would transfer them as much as twelfth.

The magnificent Reece James returns to the Chelsea staff for the primary time since mid-October, whereas Denis Zakaria makes his Premier League debut in midfield. Hakim Ziyech and Mateo Kovacic, who went the space on the World Cup, should not included within the squad. All informed, Chelsea are with out eight first-team gamers.

Bournemouth are with out the spectacular Marcus Tavernier, who’s injured, so Jack Stacey comes into the facet. That most likely means a swap to a again 5. Lloyd Kelly additionally returns rather than Jack Stephens.

Chelsea (potential 4-2-3-1) Arrizabalaga; James, Thiago Silva, Koulibaly, Cucurella; Jorginho, Zakaria; Pulisic, Mount, Sterling; Havertz.
Substitutes: Bettinelli, Chalobah, Azpilicueta, Humphreys, Gallagher, Hutchinson, Hall, Aubameyang.

Bournemouth (potential 5-2-1-2) Travers; Stacey, Smith, Senesi, Kelly, Zemura; Cook, Lerma; Billing; Solanke, Moore.
Substitutes: Plain, Stephens, Christie, Marcondes, Rothwell, Pearson, Lowe, Anthony, Dembele.

Referee Simon Hooper

Hello and welcome to live protection of Chelsea v Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge. The World Cup got here at a very good second for Chelsea, who wanted a day out after struggling three successive league defeats. Most of their gamers have been both in Qatar or the remedy room, so Graham Potter hasn’t actually had time to work his teaching magic, however a reset is perhaps the subsequent smartest thing.

Bournemouth additionally had a dodgy run earlier than the World Cup, shedding 4 league video games on the spin, however they completed half one of many Premier League season on a excessive after they routed Everton 3-0. They have a superb current document at Chelsea, with three wins in 5 Premier League video games, so a visit to Stamford Bridge ought to maintain no fears for them. Unlike the remainder of Great Britain, Bournemouth will journey with confidence.

Kick off 5.30pm.

It’s been a stroll within the rain for Chelsea. Kai Havertz completed off a very good transfer to provide them the lead, then Mason Mount scored a objective of unobtrusive class to make it two. Bournemouth have fought laborious, however they’ve been outplayed.

45+2 min That’s a fair higher save from Travers, who reaches to his left to paw Sterling’s fierce rising drive around the close to publish.

45+1 min Mount cracks a cross out in the direction of James on the precise facet of the world. Zemura comes throughout, however James wins a forty five/55 ball and smashes a shot that’s blocked on the close to publish by Travers.

45+1 min Four minutes of added time.

45 min “As an Arsenal fan I tuned in early from Canada’s west coast this morning looking for a turgid Chelsea to get their hindquarters handed to them in a can once again — only to find them playing attractive, flowing football and leading deservedly,” weeps Allan Castle. “Very disappointing, although my mood was lifted by that shot of sad Auba on the bench!”

Merry Christmas!

44 min It’s all taking place right here! A dodgy sq. cross from Thiago results in a penalty attraction for Bournemouth. Play continues, Chelsea break and Pulisic scores on the different finish – however the objective is disallowed for a softish foul by Havertz on Smith (I feel) within the construct up.

42 min “It gets worse Rob!” says Gary Naylor. “If the ref blows for the foul on Pulisic after he got the shot away (that goes wide), it would be a penalty but maybe not a red card. Why? Pulisic did get a goal scoring opportunity, mitigated, but not denied, by the foul. MOGSO not DOGSO! Where’s William Goldman when you need him?”

See, I informed you we couldn’t make Naylor up.

41 min Havertz is a bit fortunate to keep away from a yellow card for a late deal with on Senesi.

40 min Bournemouth are nonetheless attacking with function and optimism. Lerma robs Zakaria in midfield, which permits Cook to slip a via ball in the direction of Moore. Thiago Silva comes throughout to make an immaculate interception.

38 min “The combination of Sterling and James on the Chelsea right wing is too much for Bournemouth to cope with,” says Neil Pinkerton. “If only James had been available for the World Cup.”

He is a improbable participant, however did England actually miss him? Kyle Walker couldn’t have performed Mbappe a lot better. James may need carried extra of an attacking menace I suppose, notably within the final quarter-hour. I assumed Alexander-Arnold ought to have come on after they went 2-1 down.

37 min Zemura costs into the world from the left and is nicely tackled by Zakaria. The ensuing nook is headed away on the close to publish.

36 min “Have you actually slept recently, you are always on duty,” says Jeremy Boyce. “I am surely only the 1057th person to have noted that Mary is leading us a Merry Waltz, and is in fact a creation of the Grauniad’s staff as a coverall for any time there aren’t enough readers writing in, just to get some email action going ? Funnily enough, there she is for the second goal, and here I am writing in… It’s a funny old game football, ain’t it Saint?”

People used to say the identical about Gary Naylor. Then they met him and realised – and I say this with love – that you simply couldn’t make Naylor up.

34 min Thiago wafts an absurd lengthy cross over the defence to Havertz, who’s fractionally offside.

33 min Chelsea are nicely on prime now, and so they look particularly harmful down the precise via Sterling, James and Mount.

31 min “When I’m not following the football, I have started working through the King William’s College Quiz,” says Joe Pearson. “After HOURS of research, I’ve only answered about twenty out of the 180 questions. Lots of obscure history and literature references. Where are the footie questions!”

Yes, I can see it now.

1. who did not survive her tenth confinement?

2. who greeted premiers previous and current two days earlier than she died?

3. towards which membership did Jesper Blomqvist make his Man Utd debut?

29 min Cook makes a very good problem on Pulisic, however each males are injured within the course of. There’s a break in play whereas they obtain remedy.

27 min Lerma clips a superb cross over Cucurella to seek out Stacey on the precise facet of the world. He tries to chest the ball again inside Cucurella, who stands proud a leg and makes a vital interception.

27 min “Pulisic was pulled,” says Mary Waltz. “But I think the officials’ judgment was correct. Which, for me, is another reason to bin VAR. VAR’s whole purpose was to eliminate controversy over officials’ calls, it has generated just as much controversy as it has eliminated. Go back to pre-VAR and accept the fact that mistakes will be made.”

26 min Bournemouth have switched to their normal 4-4-2, with Jack Stacey transferring to the precise of midfield.

Mount virtually put Zakaria via on objective with an imaginative first-time cross. Zakaria was crowded out however Havertz collected the unfastened ball and performed it again to Mount on the sting of the D. He used Lerma as a display and swept a beautiful curling shot into the bottom-right nook. Travers had no likelihood.

A contact of sophistication from Mason Mount!

23 min “The point is moot now,” says Andy Flintoff, “but if Pulisic had not thrown his arms out in appeal after the tug, he’d have been better balanced for the shot and probably would have scored.”

At the danger of changing into the Trevor Brooking of the MBM world, I can see each side!

22 min Zakaria fell into one of many Bournemouth gamers at a nook, ramming his head into their again I feel. He’s on his toes and appears okay.

21 min “Yessss,” says Jeff Sachs, “but Nunez would have missed…”

Let’s reserve it for the subsequent Liverpool MBM, however in brief, he’s going to be a star.

20 min Zakaria is down with a head harm, which suggests a break in play.

18 min “Pulisic will dive next time before he gets the shot off – and I certainly won’t blame him,” says Gary Naylor.

I assumed he dived then, whereas additionally hedging his bets and having a shot. It most likely was a foul, although the way in which he went down might have counted towards him. There was an attention-grabbing penalty at Arsenal final night time after a not dissimilar incident., however on that event Jarrod Bowen tried to remain on his toes.

That was a very good staff objective. Mount eased a pleasant ball down the precise to Sterling, who angled a devastating first-time cross in the direction of Havertz on the far publish. He slid in to pressure the ball via Travers from 4 yards.

Kai Havertz 1-0 Jeff Sachs!

15 min I can see why VAR didn’t overturn that call – there wasn’t that a lot contact, subsequently it wasn’t a transparent and apparent error – though I haven’t actually received a clue what constitutes a foul any extra.

12 min: Chelsea penalty attraction! Pulisic collects a unfastened ball on the sting of the D and surges into the world. Smith panics and grabs his shirt, and Pulisic accepts the invitation to go down earlier than taking pictures extensive on the stretch. Simon Hooper says no penalty and VAR isn’t . Hmm. It wasn’t a lot of a shirt pull, and Pulisic actually made probably the most of it, but it surely was nonetheless a shirt pull.

Smith is fortunate as a result of, had a penalty been given, he would have been despatched off as nicely.

11 min Thiago continues to be limping, although there’s no signal of him coming off.

10 min “I am the lone person in the office today – despite not being a holiday here in the good ol’ USA, everyone else is off,” says Rachel Clifton. “So the MBM is even more of a godsend than usual. And it isn’t Southampton…”

I used to be shocked to see that they’re backside of the desk. Looks like one of the best ways for a south coast staff to keep away from relegation is to get tonked 9-0 early within the season.

8 min Maybe Jeff Sachs was proper: Havertz has simply missed an opportunity, heading over from Cucurella’s deep, floated cross. It wasn’t the best alternative, however he ought to most likely have hit the goal.

8 min “Not getting a holiday break?” says Jeff Sachs. “Havertz is as good as Nunez at missing.”

Tough crowd!

7 min Thiago Silva is limping, which is an issue for Chelsea. They do have Trevoh Chalobah on the bench.

5 min Bournemouth are enjoying with a again 5, as predicted, although Billing is enjoying alongside Lerma and Cook in midfield quite than in entrance of them.

3 min Mount’s nook is dummied by Sterling, which permits the ball to run in the direction of Reece James on the sting of the world. He mishits a shot into the gang and Bournemouth clear.

2 min Chelsea’s form is a 4-2-3-1, as we anticipated, however with Sterling on the precise and Pulisic on the left.

2 min Billing’s free-kick is saved comfortably by Kepa. Chelsea break and Havertz wins the primary nook of the sport.

1 min Solanke, as soon as of Chelsea, slaloms previous two gamers earlier than being taken out by Thiago Silva. Free-kick to Bournemouth 30 yards from objective…

1 min Peep peep! Chelsea, kicking from proper to left as we watch, get the sport below means.

There’s a minute’s applause for the nice George Cohen, who died final week aged 83. And now it’s time for the motion.

“Greetings and felicitations,” writes Vincent. “Time for the Blues to show us what they’ve got Rob, mid-table is not good enough; greetings from all here.”

And from right here. Merry Christmas to all!

“Here in the U-S-A! U-S-A!! U-S-A!!!, Snakes and Ladders is marketed as Chutes and Ladders,” writes Peter Oh. “Bournemouth forwards take note. If you want to score you’ve got to CHUTE!, er, SHOOT!”

These are thrilling occasions for Bournemouth. Gary O’Neil was appointed as everlasting supervisor through the World Cup, having achieved a wonderful job as caretaker, and the American Bill Foley accomplished his takeover a few weeks in the past.

It’s a grim outdated night time in west London, with the rain hooning down. Not fairly a moist, windy one in Stoke, however Amazon Prime do have Tony Pulis as one in every of their pundits.

And if he doesn’t change Chelsea’s fortunes, at the least he’ll be given a fortune after they pay him up. For every kind of causes, I actually, actually hope he succeeds.

The state of play

Chelsea begin the sport in ninth place. They’re additionally 9 factors off a Champions League place, although they’ve two video games in hand on fourth-place Spurs.

Bournemouth are 14th, three factors above the relegation locations in what’s an more and more compelling recreation of Snakes and Ladders. A win tonight would transfer them as much as twelfth.

The magnificent Reece James returns to the Chelsea staff for the primary time since mid-October, whereas Denis Zakaria makes his Premier League debut in midfield. Hakim Ziyech and Mateo Kovacic, who went the space on the World Cup, should not included within the squad. All informed, Chelsea are with out eight first-team gamers.

Bournemouth are with out the spectacular Marcus Tavernier, who’s injured, so Jack Stacey comes into the facet. That most likely means a swap to a again 5. Lloyd Kelly additionally returns rather than Jack Stephens.

Chelsea (potential 4-2-3-1) Arrizabalaga; James, Thiago Silva, Koulibaly, Cucurella; Jorginho, Zakaria; Pulisic, Mount, Sterling; Havertz.
Substitutes: Bettinelli, Chalobah, Azpilicueta, Humphreys, Gallagher, Hutchinson, Hall, Aubameyang.

Bournemouth (potential 5-2-1-2) Travers; Stacey, Smith, Senesi, Kelly, Zemura; Cook, Lerma; Billing; Solanke, Moore.
Substitutes: Plain, Stephens, Christie, Marcondes, Rothwell, Pearson, Lowe, Anthony, Dembele.

Referee Simon Hooper

Hello and welcome to live protection of Chelsea v Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge. The World Cup got here at a very good second for Chelsea, who wanted a day out after struggling three successive league defeats. Most of their gamers have been both in Qatar or the remedy room, so Graham Potter hasn’t actually had time to work his teaching magic, however a reset is perhaps the subsequent smartest thing.

Bournemouth additionally had a dodgy run earlier than the World Cup, shedding 4 league video games on the spin, however they completed half one of many Premier League season on a excessive after they routed Everton 3-0. They have a superb current document at Chelsea, with three wins in 5 Premier League video games, so a visit to Stamford Bridge ought to maintain no fears for them. Unlike the remainder of Great Britain, Bournemouth will journey with confidence.

Kick off 5.30pm.