Premier League leaders Chelsea will be looking to take a step closer to the title when they travel to Bournemouth on Saturday evening (5.30pm kick-off).

Antonio Conte’s men got back to winning ways by beating Manchester City 2-1 on Wednesday night, which means that they remain seven points clear of nearest challengers Tottenham after they got the better of Swansea 3-1 on the same evening.

The Blues are certainly in prime position to land a fifth title in 12 years, although Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth earned a deserved point away at Liverpool on Wednesday.

The Cherries drew 2-2 at Anfield to extend their unbeaten league run to four games, and given that they have already beaten the Reds and drawn with Arsenal at home this term, they will prove to be a tough test for Conte’s side on Saturday.

Nonetheless, Chelsea are favourites to pick up a 24th Premier League win of the campaign on Saturday, although Conte may look to make some changes to keep players fit and fresh ahead of the run in.

Thus, here are THREE Blues stars who deserve a chance against Bournemouth…

Nathan Ake

Cesar Azpilicueta is reportedly playing with a broken bone in his hand, and although he came through unscathed against Manchester City on Wednesday, it remains to be seen whether Conte risks him on the South Coast.

Thus, it could mean that Nathan Ake, on loan at Bournemouth for the first half of the campaign, may make his first Premier League start of the campaign for Chelsea at the Vitality Stadium.

The 22-year-old was excellent for the Cherries before being recalled by manager Conte in January, although he has yet to appear for the Blues since then.

However, Ake proved to be a quality player at this level with Bournemouth earlier in the campaign, and should Conte decide against starting Azpilicueta, he could get the nod on Saturday.

Nemanja Matic

Conte could decide to line-up 3-5-2 against Bournemouth on Saturday, which could see a return to the starting eleven for midfielder Nemanja Matic.

The Serbia international was dropped to the bench against Manchester City in midweek after a below-par display against Crystal Palace, although he did come on as a second half substitute against the Citizens, and did reasonably well in solidifying the midfield area.

Matic has started 24 of their 30 Premier League games this term, but in recent months has been chopping and changing with Cesc Fabregas in that central midfield slot, yet there may well be room for both of them against the Cherries on Saturday.

Willian

Last season’s Player of the Year Willian has seen Pedro move ahead of him in the pecking order this season, although the Brazilian international has still performed well when called upon.

The 28-year-old has scored six goals and laid on one assist in 26 Premier League appearances this season, of which only half have been starts.

And on his last start for the club, Willian netted an early opener in their crucial 2-1 victory over Stoke at the bet365 Stadium, and although he didn’t get the nod in either of this week’s matches, Conte may call upon the Brazilian star against the Cherries.