Chelsea FC vs AFC Bournemouth, English Premier League 2024-25, Today Match Prediction

Chelsea FC vs AFC Bournemouth Match Prediction & Analysis

The Blues were not long ago considered title challengers by the masses, going toe to toe with Arne Slot’s Liverpool. But after experiencing a dismal end to 2024 and drowsy start to 2025, Enzo Maresca’s side are now winless in four Premier League outings. Chelsea had spurned numerous chances to run away with it against a resurgent Palace side. The onus for one man to carry in a blue shirt, is too much to drag to the finish line. Cole Palmer cannot be overly relied upon to deliver goals. Jackson, Neto, Sancho and Fernandez had golden opportunities to further Chelsea’s lead at Selhurst Park but failed to do so.

 A 10 point gap has opened up between the East London side and the Reds, having played one game more. The Blues routed Morecambe in their latest outing in the FA Cup by 5 goals in a much changed side, and will want to replicate that form when they take on a brave Bournemouth. 

Andoni Iraola’s Cherries had to patiently wait till minute 77 for David Brooks to fashionably finish a volley against a rigid Everton side and seal all three points. Bournemouth are now eight games unbeaten in what appears to be a new club record. The Cherries are chasing a European excursion having won their 9th game of the season, and only a point off champions Man City. Everton were passive for most part of the game, unable to register a single shot on target, as opposed to Bournemouth who had 19 shots with 9 on target. Over 13 calendar years, Bournemouth opened their new year account with a win only for the second time. This club has remained true to its synergetic style of play and is visibly asserting its identity in England's top flight. 

Head to Head Record - Both teams have played each other 15 times. Chelsea has won 9 games, Bournemouth has won 4, with 2 draws. The Blues have scored 23 goals against the Cherries. Bournemouth has scored 15.

Current Standings - After 20 games, Chelsea occupy the last Champions League spot with 36 points. Bournemouth are only 3 points short of catching up with the Blues and currently occupy 7th spot. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Chelsea FC Preview

The Blues were lucky to get an FA Cup breather against Morecambe, a League 2 side that sit 23rd out of 24 teams. As usual and as expected the Blues blew away the non-Premier League side by 5 goals. But the Cherries prove to be a different opposition. Enzo Maresca will now turn his attention to a serious contender who is vying for a European birth. 

Chelsea are unbeaten in 6 games against Bournemouth - winning 4 and drawing 2. The issue is that Chelsea are winless in each of their last 4 games - drawing 2 and losing 2. This came as a surprise to everyone who thought Chelsea would challenge for the title. But such is the Premier League with more added twists and turns to come. The Italian needs his team to get their shooting boots on. Chances have come in dozes, but a lack of finishing has proven costly to this Blues side. 

Player to watch out for

The young Englishman registered his 13th goal of the season at Selhurst Park. Palmer has now been involved in 19 Premier League goals, registering 6 assists among his many goals. Only the Egyptian Mohamad Salah leads the chart with 31 to his name. Hazard has embellished his time at Chelsea - becoming a fan favourite. Now, Palmer continues to walk in those footsteps. 

The Belgian was the last Chelsea player to register 20+ goals and assists for Chelsea in three consecutive campaigns. Palmer is most likely to reach that mark with the assets he has at his disposal. The Englishman has created 57 chances this season in the Premier League - more than any other player. Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson directly benefit from those creative abilities and prove to be a massive threat, if they take their chances. 

Injury - Badiashile, Dewsbury-Hall, Fofana and Kellyman are out injured. 

Chelsea probable XI - Sanchez (GK), Gusto, Acheampong, Colwill, Cucurella (DEF), Fernandez, Caicedo, Neto, Sancho, Palmer (MID), Jackson (FWD). 

AFC Bournemouth Preview

The Cherries will be displeased looking at recent performances against the Blues at Stamford Bridge. Bournemouth have unfortunately lost both their recent meetings at Chelsea’s home ground. The Cherries have won more games against Chelsea away from home than they have at the Vitality. Brentford, Burnley and Wimbeldon are other sides that possess the same record. This means Chelsea’s home advantage doesn’t hold enough weightage against Iraola’s side. 

The Spaniard has composed a never say never attitude that has elevated them to the upper echelons of English football. Bournemouth are now unbeaten in 8 Premier League games - winning 5 and drawing 3, as a result. Currently, only Liverpool and Arsenal are on longer runs without a defeat, 15 and 10 respectively. Substitutions have proved to be a chink in Iraola’s armour, with the Bournemouth bench chipping in 10 Premier League goals this season - more than any other side in the competition. 33% of goals from the bench is a positive statistic for a club to take, which also happens to be the highest chunk for any team in a single Premier League campaign. 

Player to watch out for

The half British half Ghanaian footballer, Antoine Semenyo has been a threat to teams this season. Although the winger has scored and assisted just one, he has proved a handful to opposition defenders. Semenyo has created chances and registered more shots following a ball carry than any other player in the Premier League - registering 27 shots and 16 chances. Bournemouth’s winger also scored and assisted on the weekend against West Bromwich. That takes Semenyo’s total tally to 6 goals in all competitions for the season. 

Injury - Unal, Senesi, Scott, Sinisterra, Araujo, Tavernier, Smith, Evanilson. 

Bournemouth probable XI - Travers (GK), Hill, Huijsen, Zabarnyi, Kerkez (DEF), Christie, Cook, Brooks, Kluivert, Outtara (MID), Semenyo. 

CHELSEA FC vs AFC BOURNEMOUTH
Winning Prediction

The Blues have been struggling in front of goal and Maresca is in dire need of a fix. That doesn’t mean Chelsea need to resort to a peep in the transfer market as we’ve seen happen so often. Jackson, Neto and Sancho will have to take their chances against a formidable Bournemouth side. The Cherries have shown maturity and can still prove threatening without Evanilson. Upsets have been part of the story this season. Chelsea will have to wait for their first win of 2025 because Bournemouth are a very difficult side to break down. 

AFC Bournemouth to Win (1-2)

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