Bournemouth v Chelsea – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Bournemouth host Chelsea at the Vitality Stadium in the English Premier League on Saturday. A few weeks ago, The Cherries sat bottom of the table but they’ve now drawn level on points with Chelsea. The Blues have lost all six matches since Frank Lampard took over as coach and they’ve lost eight of their 16 away matches this season.

Bournemouth Form

On the 10^th of March, Bournemouth sat bottom of the table after 25 matches. In the nine matches since, they’ve taken 20 points and jumped up to 39 in total. It’s been a remarkable run which started with beating Liverpool 1-0 at home just after The Reds had thrashed Man Utd 7-0.

In this run, they also went to Tottenham and scored in the last minute to win 3-2. The big thing has been wins against sides around them in the table. In their last five matches, they’ve gone to Leicester and won 1-0, did the same to Southampton, and then thrashed Leeds 4-1 last weekend. At that time, they also lost 4-0 at home to  West Ham so they lack some consistency in baseline performance.

Bournemouth Team News

Central midfielder Hamed Traore will hope to be available again after an ankle injury. Kieffer Moore is doubtful due to concussion and this match could come too soon for winger Junior Stanislas. Marcus Tavernier has injured this thigh and misses out, as does right-back Ryan Fredericks.

Chris Mepham missed the last match with a hamstring complaint so Marcos Senesi could partner Lloyd Kelly at centre back. Antoine Semenyo netted from the bench in the win against Leeds but will have to settle for an impact sub role once again.

Bournemouth Motivation

With 39 points, the aim of survival is almost achieved. Motivation may not be quite as high as in their recent relegation clashes. They will play to win though and finish the job.

Chelsea are on the same points as them but are in poor form so an attacking approach is expected – they will see the Blues as ‘there for the taking’.

Chelsea Form

With five matches left to play, Chelsea are 12^th in the table with 39 points, the same as Bournemouth. Frank Lampard has overseen six successive defeats since taking interim charge and the side have only netted two goals. After a 1-0 loss at Wolves, Chelsea lost 2-0 away to Real Madrid. A 2-1 home loss to Brighton was alarming as they were dominated in every facet of the match.

After a decent second leg (especially the first hour) vs Real Madrid, they were beaten 2-0 at home anyway. A 2-0 home loss to Brentford followed as their struggles at Stamford Bridge continued in force. Last time out, Chelsea were 3-0 down after 34 minutes at Arsenal before the rest of the game 1-0 for a 3-1 defeat.

Chelsea Team News

Frank Lampard is still set to be missing Kalidou Koulibaly, Marc Cucurella, Reece James, and Mason Mount due to injuries. Kai Havertz could be recalled after a poor outing from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang last time out. Trevoh Chalobah will hope for a start at right back after Cesar Azpilicueta’s recent performances.  

Further forward, winger Mykhailo Mudryk will hope for a start whilst Noni Madueke will look to build on his goal at Arsenal if he is handed a spot in the XI once again. N’Golo Kante has been playing one game a week and may not start this match having played 90 minutes on Wednesday.

Chelsea Motivation

The players look to have their minds on the off-season already. Motivation is low and many of the players are not busting a gut physically.

A win would lift morale, secure survival, and perhaps go some way to impressing next season’s new coach.

Key Stats

Bournemouth have taken 20 points from their last 9 fixtures (6 wins)

Bournemouth’s last 4 matches have seen 15 goals (9 scored, 6 conceded)

Chelsea have lost their last 6 matches

Chelsea have lost 8 of their 16 away league matches

CFC have failed to score in 16 of their last 27 matches (all comps)

Verdict

Chelsea are a shambles right now in every department. They’re leaking plenty and not scoring many at all. They are surely due a win by the law of averages. Bournemouth are capable of winning this match or getting beaten heavily as they were by West Ham.

Best Bet: Both Teams to Score at 1.68

Alternative Bet: Chelsea win at 2.15

Alternative Bet: Both Teams to Score and No draw at 2.65

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