Chelsea has shown notable progress under manager Enzo Maresca this season, bouncing back from two disappointing years. While they are no longer in the race for the Premier League title, they remain strong contenders for a Champions League spot.
Currently in 4th place, just ahead of 5th, their recent form has been shaky, going four matches without a win. This stretch includes defeats to Fulham (1-2) and Ipswich (0-2) and draws with Everton (0-0) and Crystal Palace (1-1). Last weekend, Chelsea competed against Morecambe in the FA Cup.
Bournemouth, on the other hand, has exceeded expectations this season, sitting in 7th place and only three points behind Chelsea. With ambitions for European qualification, they are in excellent form, having gone unbeaten in their last eight league matches, including five wins and three draws.
After drawing with Crystal Palace (0-0) and Fulham (2-2), they clinched a 1-0 victory against Everton in their most recent match. Bournemouth also faced West Bromwich in the FA Cup last weekend.
Chelsea is grappling with several injuries ahead of this fixture. Defenders Wesley Fofana and Benoît Badiashile, along with midfielder Roméo Lavia, remain sidelined. Additional absences include Chukwuemeka, Dewsbury-Hall, and Kellyman, while winger Mykhaylo Mudryk is suspended for doping.
Cole Palmer, enjoying an impressive season with 13 goals and 6 assists, is expected to lead the attack alongside Nicolas Jackson, who has recorded 9 goals and 3 assists. Christopher Nkunku, though limited in league appearances, may also feature prominently.
Bournemouth also has injury concerns, missing key defenders Marcos Senesi, Adam Smith, and Marcos Araujo, as well as backup striker Enes Ünal. The availability of wingers Luis Sinisterra and Marcus Tavernier, along with midfielder Scott, remains uncertain. Despite these challenges, Bournemouth’s offensive lineup is strong, with Dango Ouattara (3 goals, 3 assists), Justin Kluivert (6 goals, 2 assists), Antoine Semenyo (5 goals, 2 assists), and Evanilson (5 goals) providing plenty of attacking options.
Prediction
Chelsea has struggled for consistency at home, recording three wins, four draws, and three losses in their last ten Premier League matches, with all games featuring fewer than 3.5 goals. Bournemouth’s last ten away fixtures have followed a similar low-scoring trend. A competitive and tightly contested match is likely.
Prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Bournemouth
