Prediction: Chelsea vs Bournemouth

Prediction: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 3/10

Bookmaker: bet365

The Premier League is back, back again, tell a friend (we’re sorry) this weekend, with one of the feature games being Chelsea vs Bournemouth. These two teams have been incredibly entertaining thus far this season, somewhat against the odds, and it’ll be interesting to see who can keep their momentum going. Bournemouth are trying to establish themselves as Premier League regulars, and are doing a pretty good job of it, whereas the Blues are trying to launch an unlikely title surge.

Chelsea

Under the guidance of Maurizio Sarri, Chelsea have been able to grind out a series of great results so far this season without actually reaching that ‘next level’ so to speak. While Bournemouth will serve as stiff opposition this will still be seen as a game that they’re more than capable of winning, given the threat they pose in the middle of the park alone. If this team can continue to gel and improve over the course of the next few months, then they could be in a very interesting position once May rolls around.

Team News

Kovacic and Hazard could both start the game, as Chelsea aim to secure their ‘first XI’ so to speak. Cesc Fabregas is still Chelsea’s only injury worry, which could prove to be vital as their Europa League adventure begins.

Bournemouth

This South Coast side just keep surprising people, and at this point, we should just expect these kinds of performances out of them. They were written off by all when they first entered the top flight, and now, people are talking about them as a legitimate top ten team. Eddie Howe has done some great things already during his time with Bournemouth, but if he’s given the time to build this squad even further, then an eventual push for the European places doesn’t seem unlikely whatsoever.

Team News

Ryan Fraser could be rested after playing in the league and the cup in the last week, with Taylor and Stanislas both being out through injury.

Factors to Consider

• The game will be played at Stamford Bridge.
• Chelsea lead 9-3 in the all-time head to head standings.
• Bournemouth won the last game between the two, 3-0 back in January.
• Chelsea are unbeaten with three wins from three games so far this season.
• Bournemouth are also unbeaten with two wins and one draw in the league, as well as a League Cup victory.

Conclusion

You can never entirely count out the Cherries regardless of who they’re up against, because they’re just such a gritty team. That’ll probably be the case again when they come up against an in-form Chelsea side, who appear set to defy all expectations that were put in front of them this season. We think this will be something of a tactical game throughout most of the 90 minutes, with the Blues eventually edging out Bournemouth – but only just, with a final score of 2-1. Either way, this is going to be a good one.

Prediction: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 3/10

Bookmaker: bet365