CESC Fabregas's belief that Chelsea's players let down former boss Jose Mourinho is, according to stats at least, difficult to argue with.

Under the Portuguese in the opening months of this season, the reigning Premier League champions mustered a paltry 15 points in 16 games.

But after Guus Hiddink took over on an interim basis in December, the Blues' form improved significantly.

There was no great upheaval, the only incomings being loanee Alexandre Pato and American youngster Matt Miazga, who have played little more than two hours each since.

Ramires made a big-money move to China and a string of fringe players were farmed out on loan but, to all intents and purposes, Hiddink had the same tools as his predecessor.

The Dutchman's squad has picked up 11 more points than Mourinho's did in the same number of games.

It isn't quite title-winning form but it is perhaps a sign that matters at Stamford Bridge have returned to some sort of normality.

That said, Chelsea have lost to Swansea and Manchester City recently and while those disappointments are not exactly going to pile the pressure on Hiddink – who will be replaced by Antonio Conte this summer – there could be worse times for Cherries to face the Blues.

Given the Dorset side had only once beaten Chelsea before this season, a league double would be quite something.

A home victory would also see Eddie Howe's side draw level on points with the reigning champions with three games to go. Not many would have predicted that.

Former Cherries loan star Asmir Begovic is expected to deputise for Thibaut Courtois who is suspended.