Eddie Howe hopes Bournemouth can make cup history with Chelsea win
Monday 18 December 2017 18:38, UK
Eddie Howe is hoping to make Bournemouth history by guiding them to their first appearance in a semi-final of a major cup competition.
The Cherries face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday in the last eight of the Carabao Cup.
Bournemouth are without a win in their last six Premier League matches and were thrashed 4-0 by Liverpool at home on Sunday, but Howe will hope an extended cup run could revitalise his team's form.
"Naturally our focus goes to the next game on Wednesday against Chelsea," said Howe.
"It is a really tough draw for us but we are looking to break fresh ground for the club.
"We've never been into a semi-final of a major cup competition and that is a great carrot for us.
"To try and achieve that would be fantastic so we go into this game desperately trying to win."
Bournemouth will return to league action with a trip to leaders Manchester City on Saturday, before finishing the year by welcoming West Ham and Everton to the Vitality stadium.
After the defeat to Liverpool, Howe admitted that Bournemouth are in the relegation battle and confirmed he is likely to make a number of changes for the midweek cup clash against Chelsea amid the packed Christmas schedule.
He said: "During this busy period of games we are looking to utilise the squad and make sure everyone plays a part so potentially there is scope for changes.
"We've got a game very soon after against Manchester City away so a nice run of fixtures for us."
