Verdict: Chelsea to win to Nil
Best Odds: 8/7
Bookmaker: 888sport
Reigning Premier League champions lock horns with an in-form Bournemouth side in a midweek clash at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are coming off from a comprehensive win over Brighton last time out but their most recent form offers plenty to worry about as Conte’s men struggle to replicate last season’s form.
Chelsea
Antonio Conte is having plenty of problems in his second year in charge of Chelsea. The Italian tactician proved to be an instant hit in the Premier League with his unique approach and style but the army-like routine seems to have lost its full effect this year.
Pressured by multiple-front battles and especially the Champions League challenge, the Blues have struggled to replicate their compelling form from last season and are losing ground in the race for the second place. The Blues are three points behind Manchester United in third and three in front Liverpool in fourth place in the standings which means that a possible hiccup could see their Premier League faith get complicated even further. Antonio Conte’s men put their Carabao Cup semi-final disappointment behind them with a compelling 3-0 FA Cup win over Newcastle at the weekend and should be highly motivated to extend the winning run. Their home form offers plenty of promise although the in-form Cherries could cause plenty of problems to Chelsea.
Team News
Out-of-form striker Alvaro Morata could return from injury in time to face Bournemouth.
Brazilian winger Willian is out of contention, whereas there is a huge question mark over the availability of Thibaut Courtois and David Luiz.
Bournemouth
The Cherries are heading into the Chelsea clash with a fresh pair of feet knowing they had almost two weeks to rest when their Wednesday’s rivals had Cup duties to attend. Eddie Howe’s men are unbeaten in last five Premier League outings which included wins over Everton and Arsenal, respectively, but their stretch is under a huge test this week.
Bournemouth lost all of their last five meetings with Chelsea and will have little to hope for as they prepare to travel to Stamford Bridge given Chelsea’s formidable home run. Howe’s men will not be travelling to London carrying a white flag, however, and will try to inflict another blow to Chelsea’s Premier League run. Cherries will look to their top scorer Callum Wilson for goals with the striker scoring three goals in his last five Premier League appearances. Wilson was the hero against Arsenal, scoring an equalizing goal and assisting the winning one in the same match.
Team News
Tyrone Mings is sidelined with injury and will be out of contention for the forthcoming fixture.
The experienced striker Jermaine Defoe is also unavailable due to an ankle problem. Harry Arter should be back in the running following his illness.
Key Factors to Consider
- Chelsea won 6 and drawn 1 of their last 7 home Premier League matches
- During that time in the league Chelsea conceded just once
- Bournemouth are on a five-match unbeaten stretch in the league
- Callum Wilson scored 3 goals in his last 5 PL appearances
- Chelsea kept a clean sheet in last 4 home Premier League games
Conclusion
Chelsea might not be in their last year’s top form but there should be enough in them to see off the Bournemouth threat. The Blues are enjoying quite a run on home turf and there is plenty to suggest Antonio Conte’s men could emerge victorious against the Cherries, despite their fine form of late.
Verdict: Chelsea to win to Nil
Best Odds: 8/7
Bookmaker: 888sport
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