Dec 26, 2016 at 3pm UK at ​Stamford Bridge
Chelsea
vs.
Bournemouth

Nemanja Matic backs Michy Batshuayi to perform in Diego Costa's absence

Michy Batshuayi in action for Chelsea on August 20, 2016
© SilverHub
Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic backs teammate Michy Batshuayi to make the most of his opportunity against Bournemouth on Boxing Day.

Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic has said that he hopes that Michy Batshuayi makes the most of his chance in the starting lineup against Bournemouth.

Due to the form of Diego Costa, Batshuayi has been limited to 10 substitute appearances in the Premier League but he is expected to start in the game against Bournemouth on Boxing Day with Costa serving a one-match suspension.

The Belgian forward has spent just 10 minutes on the pitch in December but Matic is confident that the summer signing will show his qualities at Stamford Bridge.

The 28-year-old told the Evening Standard: "When you have Diego in the team it is very hard to get a chance because he is playing so well and scoring goals.

"I'm sure Michy is ready to take his opportunity because he is working hard every day. He is a good man. We won't have Diego against Bournemouth but I hope Michy will be the man to decide the game.

"If he does that it will be good for us. He is a great striker, for sure, that is why Chelsea bought him. I'm sure if he gets a chance to score in the next game, he'll take it."

Batshuayi's only three goals for Chelsea came in August as he helped the Blues to wins over Watford in the league and Bristol Rovers in the EFL Cup.

Michy Batshuayi in action for Chelsea on August 20, 2016
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Chelsea17141235112443
2Liverpool17114241202137
3Manchester CityMan City17113336201636
4Arsenal17104338191934
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs1796229121733
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd178632417730
7Southampton176651716124
8West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom176562321223
9Everton176562121023
10Bournemouth176382328-521
11Stoke CityStoke175661924-521
12Watford176382129-821
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham175481931-1219
14Middlesbrough174671619-318
15Leicester CityLeicester174582329-617
16Burnley1752101628-1217
17Crystal Palace1743102832-415
18Sunderland1742111528-1314
19Swansea CitySwansea1733112037-1712
20Hull City1733111436-2212