Here’s our Chelsea Vs Bournemouth preview, prediction, team news and predicted lineups ahead of Tuesday’s Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea Vs Bournemouth Preview
Enzo Maresca’s heavily-rotated Chelsea side were comfortable winners at the weekend.
The second-string Blues thumped Morecambe 5-0 without breaking a sweat.
But the Premier League has been less of a walk in the park as of late. With just two points from the last 12 available, Chelsea have slipped to ten points adrift of leaders Liverpool – who have a game in hand.
Defeat to Bournemouth on Tuesday could see them drop below the Cherries, as well as Newcastle and Manchester City if other results go against the Blues.
Like Chelsea, Bournemouth also routed lower league opponents in the FA Cup at the weekend.
Despite conceding first against West Brom, Andoni Iraola’s men roared back with five goals to batter the Baggies and book their place in round four.
It’s not nine games unbeaten in all competitions for the Cherries, who have been excellent this season.
As Bournemouth chase European football for the first time in their history, they will be hoping to take at least a point away from Stamford Bridge.
However, they have not beaten Chelsea in their last six attempts.
Chelsea Vs Bournemouth Team News
Noni Madueke is a doubt for Chelsea after missing the weekend’s cup tie with illness.
All of Wesley Fofana (hamstring), Benoit Badiashile (thigh), Omari Kellyman (hamstring) and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (unspecified) remain out.
Pedro Neto may benefit from Madueke’s absence and is likely to be the only starter from the weekend to keep his place as Maresca brings the changes and reverts to his first-choice XI.
Mykhaylo Mudryk also misses out due to suspension.
Bournemouth meanwhile have been hit with some major injury concerns as of late.
Star men Enes Unal (knee) and Evanilson (foot) have both been ruled out with long-term issues.
Such is the length of their layoffs that the Cherries are expected to sign a striker as cover this January.
As well as those two, all of Marcos Senesi (thigh), Julian Araujo (thigh), Alex Scott (knee), Marcus Tavernier (thigh), Luis Sinisterra (thigh) and Adam Smith (unspecified) are still out.
Iraola is therefore short of players across the board, so we will see some forced selections on Tuesday night.
Chelsea Vs Bournemouth Predicted Lineups
Chelsea: Sanchez; Gusto, Acheampong, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Sancho, Palmer, Neto; Jackson
Bournemouth: Travers; Hill, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Christie, Cook; Brooks, Kluivert, Ouattara; Semenyo
Chelsea Vs Bournemouth Prediction
Bournemouth have often left it late this season, but with so many key players injured, they will be up against it at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have been able to rest their big guns for this one, and should have enough to beat the injury-ravaged Cherries on home turf.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Bournemouth
