Chelsea vs Bournemouth Prediction Preview

After the conclusion of the FA Cup, the Premier League returns with Matthew O’Regan’s Chelsea vs Bournemouth prediction preview. The sides are separated by just three points so an enthralling encounter should be in store. The meeting on the South Coast in September was an entertaining affair, with Chelsea running out 0-1 winners.

Chelsea vs Bournemouth Prediction: Goals Galore in Chelsea

England, Premier League, Tuesday, January 14th , 19:30 (UK)

Chelsea’s pursuit of the Premier League title has hit a blip in recent weeks, failing to win any of their last four, playing three teams in the bottom half in this run. Enzo Maresca has a huge squad at his disposal so won’t be stressed at the quick turnover of Premier League fixtures. The Italian has struck the perfect balance in maintaining squad happiness and will be able to name a strong squad after resting a host of players against Morecambe. 

Their games have averaged 3.15 goals, with  seven of their nine home games seeing BTTS – the exceptions the 3-0 win over Aston Villa and 0-2 loss against Manchester City to open the season -a game in which the Blues had a goal disallowed. Bournemouth will take solace in Chelsea’s defensive injury woes, with teenage sensation Josh Acheampong starting at centre back in the 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace. 

Andoni Iraola’s side are going strong in the league, sat in seventh position. Despite the Cherries coming in for scything criticism for their decision to sack Gary O’Neil the Bournemouth hierarchy are being rewarded with entertaining and affective performances on the pitch, with the dream of European Football a distinct possibility. They currently sit three points off the top four and know a win at Stamford Bridge will see them level on points with The Blues. 

Bournemouth are eight games unbeaten, with their last loss coming in November at home to Brighton. The Cherries have scored 30 goals in 20 games, with their games averaging 2.65 goals. Of their ten away games, seven have seen BTTS, including five of the last six – the exception the 0-3 win at Old Trafford against lowly Manchester United. 

The meeting in September was an entertaining one, with Chelsea winning 0-1 thanks to a Christoper Nkunku 86th minute winner. However, the hosts were unlucky not to score with Evanilson missing a penalty on the stroke of half time. 

With Chelsea’s defensive woes and two potent attacks on display, expect a frantic, high-scoring affair in West London. 

• Chelsea vs Bournemouth Prediction: Both Teams To Score and Over 2.5 Goals (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 1.72
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 10/10

Chelsea vs Bournemouth prediction odds via bet365 as at 22:00, January 10th, 2025. Odds may now differ.

Chelsea vs Bournemouth Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups Prediction: Injuries Galore

Both sides are missing a host of players through injury, adding to the intrigue of the match. Benoit Badiashile, Carney Chukwuemeka, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana are absent for the hosts. 

Bournemouth suffered the devastating news that Evanilson would miss most of the season with a broken leg suffered in the 1-0 win over Everton. Back up striker Enas Unal injured his cruciate ligament in training just 24 hours later, so they are without a striker for the time being. However, Antoine Semenyo should slot in as the number nine. 

Adam Smith, Alex Scott, Julian Araujo, Luis Sinisterra, Marcos Senesi and Marcus Tavernier are also absent. While Kepa Arrizabalaga was dropped for the 1-0 win over Everton, he also misses out due to not being able to play against his parent club.

Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Sanchez; Gusto, Colwill, Acheampong, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Sancho, Palmer, Neto; Jackson

Bournemouth possible starting lineup:
Travers; Hill, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Cook, Christie; Outtara, Kluivert, Brooks; Semenyo

Match OPTA Stats

• Bournemouth won three of their first five Premier League away games against Chelsea (L2) but  have since lost their last two visits to Stamford Bridge. 
• Bournemouth are one of just four sides to win more away (3) Premier League games against  Chelsea than they have at home (1), alongside Brentford, Burnley and Wimbledon. 
• After a run of five consecutive Premier League victories, Chelsea are now winless in each of  their last four (D2 L2). They last had a longer run without a win in the same season between  March and May 2023 (7). 
• Bournemouth are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League games (W5 D3). Only Liverpool  (15) and Arsenal (10) are on longer current runs without defeat, while it’s the Cherries’ longest  ever such run in the competition. 
• Bournemouth have scored 30 goals from an expected goals total of 39.9 in the Premier League  this season, with the Cherries underperforming compared to their xG more than any other side  (-9.9).

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