Bournemouth v Chelsea – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Bournemouth host Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday night. The Cherries remain unbeaten in the league this season, sitting a point ahead of Chelsea after three rounds of action. Chelsea, however, are unbeaten in their last five meetings with Bournemouth, with three wins.

Bournemouth Form

Bournemouth enjoyed a strong run of form last season from early March to late April, recording six wins and two draws in 10 league matches. However, the season ended on a weaker note with a 3-0 loss at Arsenal, followed by a 2-1 home defeat to Chelsea and a 2-1 loss at Manchester United.

On the final day of the season, Bournemouth drew 1-1 at Nottingham Forest. This season began with a 1-1 home draw against Newcastle, during which they produced 2.26 xG. After a 1-0 defeat to West Ham in the League Cup, Bournemouth bounced back with a dramatic 3-2 win at Everton before the FIFA break, scoring three times after trailing 2-0 in the 86th minute.

Bournemouth Team News

Coach Andoni Iraola will be without striker Enes Ünal and midfielder Tyler Adams due to injuries. Philip Billing is nearing a return to strengthen their midfield options.

Record signing Evanilson is expected to lead the attack once again. Luis Sinisterra, who scored the winner off the bench against Everton, may have to settle for a substitute role once more.

Bournemouth Motivation

Bournemouth will be confident going into this match and will not fear Chelsea. They are likely to approach the game with an attacking mindset.

While they will aim for a win at home, Bournemouth would likely be content with a strong performance and a point.

Chelsea Form

Chelsea have collected four points from three league matches this season. They started with a 2-0 loss to Manchester City but followed it up with a 2-0 home win over Servette in the UEFA Conference League. They then secured a 5-2 win away at Wolves, thanks to three second-half goals, but lost 2-1 to Servette in the return leg of their European tie.

Before the international break, Chelsea were held to a 1-1 home draw by Crystal Palace. Despite 63% possession and 2.37 Expected Goals, they could not secure the win. Last season, Chelsea finished strongly, losing only one of their final 15 league matches under their previous manager.

Chelsea Team News

Chelsea are still without Reece James due to injury, and there are doubts over Malo Gusto, Cole Palmer, and Romeo Lavia. Palmer is the most likely to return after his stint with the England squad.

On the left wing, Pedro Neto and João Félix are competing for a starting spot. Christopher Nkunku is expected to start if Palmer is unavailable, while Noni Madueke, fresh off his England debut, is likely to keep his place in the starting lineup.

Chelsea Motivation

Chelsea will be eager to get their season back on track and will look to attack Bournemouth away from home.

Enzo Maresca’s team tends to play an open style, which could leave them vulnerable to counterattacks from Bournemouth.

Key Stats

Bournemouth have lost 4 of their last 7 matches.

Bournemouth have conceded 11 goals in their last 6 EPL matches.

Chelsea have lost just 2 of their last 18 league matches.

Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 5 matches against Bournemouth (3 wins, 2 draws).

Chelsea have scored 2 or more goals in 13 of their last 16 league matches.

Verdict

This match should feature goals, as both teams tend to play openly. Chelsea’s firepower should be enough to secure all three points.

Best Bet: Chelsea win at 2.10

Value Bet: Chelsea win and both teams to score at 3.20

Goalscorer Tip: Nicolas Jackson to score anytime at 2.70