Prediction: Chelsea vs Bournemouth

Prediction: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 3/10

Bookmaker: bet365

The Premier League is going to be unbelievably busy over the course of the next few weeks, and as such, we may need a quick break – which will come in the form of the Carabao Cup (aka the League Cup). We’re at the quarter final stage now with just a few steps remaining until Wembley. One of the four games that we’ll be treated to is Chelsea vs Bournemouth, and while the result may initially seem obvious, we’ve all been watching football long enough to know that anything can happen in a cup competition.

Chelsea

Chelsea seemed to hit something of a brick wall a few weeks back courtesy of their losses to Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur, but now, they’re right back on track. Under the guidance of Maurizio Sarri they still seem to harbour realistic hopes of winning the title, as unlikely as that may seem. Either way the Carabao Cup serves as the perfect opportunity to try and secure some silverware, as they’ve already beaten the favourites Manchester City in the league.

Team News

Cesc Fabregas, Gary Cahill and Andreas Christensen are three of the names expected to make rare starts in the first team, with Sarri having a history of giving fringe players time in other competitions – with the Carabao Cup being a perfect example.

Bournemouth

While Bournemouth’s rise up through the ranks of English football has been tremendous, there’s no denying that they’ve struggled as of late. While they aren’t exactly contenders to drop down into the Championship via relegation or anything like that, changes do need to be made. Perhaps a trip to Wembley is exactly the kind of thing that will get Eddie Howe out of jail, as many Bournemouth fans have long since been hoping for an extended cup run to enjoy.

Team News

Jermain Defoe has been tipped to start for the Cherries, with Artur Boruc being expected to start the game as Bournemouth’s fringe stars attempt to convince Eddie Howe that they should be given time in the Premier League.

Factors to Consider

• The game will be played at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge.
• Chelsea have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games.
• Bournemouth have won one and lost five of their last six games.
• Chelsea lead 10-3 in the overall head to head standings.
• In their last meeting back in September, Chelsea won 2-0.

Conclusion

Both teams, as we know, are going to look different to what we’re used to seeing in the Premier League. Bournemouth are in a bit of a slump at the moment and that much is obvious, whereas Chelsea seem to have responded brilliantly to their recent defeats. We think Chelsea will score early and will hold onto that advantage until towards the end of the game, when they’ll add a second. The Blues will therefore progress into the semi final stage of the competition, and we’d back them to go all the way.

Prediction: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 3/10

Bookmaker: bet365