Chelsea v Bournemouth – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Chelsea face Bournemouth in the English Premier League on Sunday. The Blues just need a point to secure a six-placed finish and they’ve won nine of their last 11 league fixtures at Stamford Bridge. The Cherries can still finish between 10th and 13th and have something to play for on the final day.

Chelsea Form

The Blues have jumped to sixth in the league table after a run of one defeat in 14 in the league. Their home form has seen nine wins in the last 11 EPL fixtures and they’re scoring freely: 11 of their last 12 league fixtures have seen 2+ goals scored. They’ve responded well to a 5-0 loss at Arsenal.

A 2-2 draw at Aston Villa saw them dominate possession and chances. They beat rivals Tottenham 2-0 at home despite having 14 injuries. A 5-0 home destruction of West Ham (4.22 xG) was followed by a 3-2 win at Nottingham Forest. On Wednesday, Chelsea won 2-1 at Brighton in a largely strong display.

Chelsea Team News

Chelsea are without Enzo Fernandez and Romeo Lavia in midfield due to injuries. Mykhailo Mudryk is absent due to a concussion. Reece James is suspended in defence and Wesley Fofana is injured.

Malo Gusto should shake off a knock to start and Thiago Silva will also expect to be recalled in his final match for the club. Raheem Sterling and Christopher Nkunku are competing to replace Mudryk on the left flank.

Chelsea Motivation

The Blues need a draw to finish sixth and a win to have any chance of finishing fifth above Tottenham.

Aside from that, they will want to take the three points and score a few goals to end the season well.

Bournemouth Form

Bournemouth have lost four of their last eight matches and their season peters out somewhat. They can still finish in the top half and have had a great season overall. It’s still six wins in the last 12 league matches despite the recent defeats. After four wins in five matches (WDWWW), they went winless in three (LDL).

A 1-0 win at Wolves and a 3-0 home thrashing of Brighton followed as they produced 2.11 xG from 30% possession. A 3-0 loss at Arsenal and a 2-1 home defeat to Brentford have been their last two results. They conceded in the 95th minute to lose to the Bees last weekend.

Bournemouth Team News

Coach Andoni Iraola has left back Milos Kerkez available after suspension. Luis Sinisterra is very doubtful on the wing and Romain Faivre and Ryan Fredericks will play no part.

Chris Mepham has been struggling with illness and is not set to feature. Marcus Tavernier is fit to play and could replace Dango Ouattara. Tyler Adams is available to feature off the bench again.

Bournemouth Motivation

Bournemouth carry plenty of attacking threat. They can play in transition and don’t need possession to create chances.

They will play to win this match and try to leapfrog Brighton into tenth spot. Their focus and motivation don’t seem to be 100% though.

Key Stats

Chelsea have lost just 1 of their last 14 league matches (9 wins in 11 at home)

Chelsea have scored 2+ goals in 11 of their last 12 league matches

Chelsea’s Palmer has scored 27 goals this season (9 ‘first goal’ in matches)

Bournemouth have won 6 of their last 12 league matches (4 losses)

AFC Bournemouth have lost 3 of their last 4 away matches

Verdict

Pochettino’s team is excelling at home and have momentum right now. They are expected to win an open and exciting match. Both sides should score with the Blues coming out on top.

Best Bet: Chelsea win and Over 2.5 goals at 1.71
Alternate Bet: Chelsea win and both teams to score at 2.25
Goalscorer Tip: Cole Palmer to score first at 4.00

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