The 3 key battles as Bournemouth host Chelsea this evening

Josh King vs Cesar Azpilicueta

Bournemouth’s Josh King has been one of the form players in the Premier League over recent months, and will pose the league leaders serious problems this evening.

The Norwegian international has scored 12 goals in 30 Premier League games for the Cherries this term, but nine of those have come since the turn of the year.

His excellent hat-trick inspired Howe’s men to a 3-2 win over West Ham last month, and it was the 25-year-old who grabbed the vital equaliser in the draw at Liverpool on Wednesday.

Thus, Cesar Azpilicueta is going to be in for a tricky evening at the Vitality Stadium today.

The Spanish international has been one of the Premier League’s most consistent defenders since his arrival in England back in 2012, and has seamlessly slotted into Conte’s back three this term.

And that could see him pit his wits against an in-form King this evening, which will be a test of Azpilicueta’s defensive capabilities given the forward’s fine recent run.