Bournemouth v Chelsea – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Bournemouth host Chelsea in the English Premier League on Sunday as they look to end an eight-match winless run. The Blues have taken just four points from four league matches and are also in need of a victory. The last meeting between these sides saw Chelsea win 3-1 at the Vitality Stadium in May.

Bournemouth Form

The Cherries finished last season on a downward curve as they lost their final four league matches. This season began with a 1-1 home draw with West Ham after a late equaliser was scored. A 3-1 defeat at Liverpool followed as they allowed 26 shots and 3.08 xG having led 1-0.

Bournemouth were outclassed at Tottenham in a 2-0 home defeat but they went to Swansea in the Carabao Cup and won 3-2 a few days later to improve their confidence. Last time out, they conceded a 93rd-minute equaliser to draw 2-2 at Brentford. They put up 2.09 xG in an enterprising attacking display but the Bees were afforded 61% possession, 21 shots, and 2.91 xG in an end-to-end fixture.

Bournemouth Team News

Andoni Iraola has five injury issues to deal with ahead of this clash. A new signing from Leeds, Tyler Adams, is not yet expected to return from a long-term hamstring problem. Another acquired midfielder Alex Scott is set for another month on the sidelines.

Emiliano Marcondes is out in attacking midfield areas and winger Dango Outtara remains a doubt. Marcus Tavernier has returned from injury and fullback Adam Smith should be available again for this one. Fellow right-back Ryan Fredericks is not expected to be fit to play any part.

Bournemouth Motivation

Iraolo plays an open and attacking game. His side have been creating quite a few chances but they’re open for opponents to have a large amount of space and plenty of shots.

A draw would be a good result in isolation but Bournemouth will try to play on the front foot and take the win.

Chelsea Form

Chelsea’s first five matches this season in all competitions have seen two wins, one draw, and two losses. After drawing 1-1 at home to Liverpool on the opening day, they went to West Ham and lost 3-1 despite playing from the 67th minute versus ten men. A first league win arrived as Luton were beaten 3-0 at home.

After a 2-1 home win against lower league AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup, Chelsea tasted defeat once again at Stamford Bridge. A 48th-minute goal conceded saw a 1-0 home loss to Nottingham Forest. The Blues had 76% possession, outshot their opponents 21-7 and put up 2.30 Expected Goals in a shock loss.

Chelsea Team News

There are several serious injuries for Mauricio Pochettino to deal with. Wesley Fofana, Christopher Nkunku and Carney Chukwuemeka remain absent in the longer term. Benoit Badiashile and Armando Broja are closing in on returns and Mykhailo Mudryk has shaken off a knock.

Romeo Lavia’s debut may need to wait due to a training injury. Pochettino will hope that Reece James is close to a return but this match comes too soon. We may see Cole Palmer get his first start in the front three with Conor Gallagher dropping down to the bench.

Chelsea Motivation

It’s been a poor start to the season for the Blues. They need a win here to get things back on track.

Chelsea will look to dominate possession and to play the game on the front foot. A draw would feel like a defeat and they won’t settle for a point.

Key Stats

Bournemouth have lost 6 of their last 8 league matches (2 draws)

Bournemouth have conceded 2+ goals in their last 3 PL matches

Bournemouth have lost 5 of their 7 home EPL matches (failing to score in 4 of those)

Chelsea have lost 11 of their last 18 matches in all competitions

Chelsea’s last 15 away EPL matches have seen just 2 wins

Chelsea’s last 7 away EPL matches have produced 23 goals (9 scored, 14 conceded)

Verdict

This should be an exciting and open match with both sides on target. Chelsea should relish the extra time and space afforded to them by the Cherries and have enough to win. Nicolas Jackson could be a good bet to score against the side that nearly signed him in January, before a failed medical.

Best Bet: Both Teams to Score + Over 2.5 goals at 1.95

Value Bet: Chelsea win and Over 2.5 goals at 2.50

Goalscorer Tip: Nicolas Jackson anytime goalscorer at 2.15

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis