Chelsea vs Bournemouth team news: Eden Hazard starts up front as Diego Costa and N'Golo Kante serve suspension
Chelsea winger Eden Hazard starts up front in the striker role for the club's Boxing Day clash against Bournemouth as Antonio Conte looks to replace the suspended Diego Costa at Stamford Bridge.
Costa is out of Chelsea's clash with the Cherries at Stramford Bridge after picking up his fifth booking of the season in the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace last weekend, with Hazard playing in his position despite the availability of striker Michy Batshuayi.
The Belgian forward, who arrived from Marseille in a £33m move in the summer, last started a game in October when Chelsea lost to West Ham in the EFL Cup at the London Stadium. And he hasn't been picked to cover Costa today despite being fully fit, although he is on the substitutes' bench.
N'Golo Kante will be missing through suspension, which allows Cesc Fabregas to take his place alongside Nemanja Matic in midfield.
Captain John Terry remains sidelined with a gluteal strain injury.
Bournemouth coach Eddie Howe will not have full-back Nathan Ake available as the defender is ineligible to play his parent club. Andrew Surman has recovered from his hamstring injury in time to start today but Junior Stanislas is on the bench following his recent ankle issue.
Chelsea starting XI: Courtois; Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Cahill; Moses, Fabregas, Matic, Alonso; Willian, Hazard, Pedro.
Chelsea subs: Begovic, Ivanovic, Aina, Zouma, Loftus-Cheek, Chalobah, Batshuayi.
Bournemouth starting XI: Boruc, Adam Smith, Francis, Cook, Daniels, Brad Smith, Arter, Surman, Gosling, Wilshere, King.
Bournemouth subs: Federici, Mings, Fraser, Stanislas, Afobe, Ibe, Wilson.
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