Premier League leaders Chelsea will look to take a step closer to the title with victory at Bournemouth this evening (5.30pm kick-off).

Antonio Conte’s men bounced back from their surprise loss to Crystal Palace last weekend by beating Manchester City 2-1 in midweek, thus preserving their seven-point lead at the top of the division.

And they’ll be confident of adding another victory to their tally when they face Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth tonight, although the Cherries drew 2-2 at Liverpool on Wednesday night to remain seven points clear of the bottom three with seven games to go.

The South Coast side are now unbeaten in their last four league matches, and having won each of their last two home matches, they are a force to be reckoned with at the Vitality Stadium.

Nonetheless, Conte’s Chelsea will go in as favourites against the Cherries this evening, knowing that victory would take them another step closer to a fifth title in 12 years.

So, with the build-up well underway ahead of this evening’s clash, we at Shoot! have analysed the THREE key battles which look set to determine the outcome on the South Coast 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.

Jack Wilshere vs N’Golo Kante

Jack Wilshere returned to the Bournemouth starting line-up in the draw with Liverpool in midweek, and looks set to retain his place against the league leaders this afternoon.

The England international had been benched in their previous three Premier League games, but returned with a commanding display at Anfield to further remind us all of his excellent ability in the centre of midfield.

And he’ll have to be at his very best again this evening when he comes up against N’Golo Kante.

The Chelsea man has been outstanding for the leaders this term, building on his stunning campaign for champions Leicester last time out, and looks set to make it two league titles out of two since moving to England in 2015.

The France international has made the midfield spot his own, and no wonder, given his insatiable appetite to cover every blade of grass and thwart opposition attacks, but also look to get forward and make a telling contribution in the attacking third.

Quite simply, he can do everything you want from a central midfielder, which means that Bournemouth’s Wilshere will have to be at his best to not only have an effect on proceedings, but also to reduce Kante’s impact on the match.

Simon Francis vs Eden Hazard

Chelsea’s Eden Hazard has arguably been the best player in the Premier League this season, and Conte will undoubtedly look to the Belgium international to once again inspire his side to victory this afternoon.

The 26-year-old has scored 13 goals and laid on five assists in 28 league starts for the Blues this season, banishing memories of last term’s woeful campaign, and instead propelling his level to above that we saw in 2014/15.

Hazard was brilliant in the 2-1 win over Manchester City in midweek to further outline his stunning form, and it’s form Simon Francis is going to have to tame this evening.

The Bournemouth centre-back has started 27 of their Premier League matches this term, and like many in the Cherries backline, has improved from last term’s efforts.

However, this will be the ultimate test for the 32-year-old, and with Hazard likely to line up on the left side of the Chelsea front three, Francis may have to contend with him when he goes out wide, and indeed when he cuts inside.

Defensive discipline will be key for the Cherries defender if they are to get anything out of this evening’s clash.