Chelsea Vs Bournemouth Prediction: The Blues Avoid Defeat At Stamford Bridge

JAKARTA - Chelsea will host Bournemouth in the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. Both teams came with high confidence after winning a landslide victory in the FA Cup. Chelsea won 5-0 over Morecambe, while Bournemouth beat West Bromwich Albion with a score of 5-1. This match will be a proving event for both teams who are only three points adrift in the standings.

Enzo Maresca's troops showed dominance in the FA Cup while destroying Morecambe at Stamford Bridge. In that match, Joao Felix and Tosin Adarbioyo each scored two goals, while Christopher Nkunku added one goal despite failing to execute a penalty. The victory became a breath of fresh air for Chelsea after poor performance in the Premier League.

In the league, Chelsea have only picked up two points from the last four matches. A 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace last week left them 10 points behind leaders Liverpool. In addition, Chelsea could potentially lose their position in the European zone if Newcastle, Manchester City, or Bournemouth managed to get a positive result in another match.

Chelsea also face challenges to maintain their home record. If they lose to Bournemouth, the Blues will record successive home defeats in the Premier League for the first time since September 2023.

Bournemouth under Andoni Iraola has performed outstanding this season. A landslide victory over West Bromwich Albion in the FA Cup is proof of their consistency. In that match, Dango Ouattara scored two goals, while Justin Kluivert, Antoine Semenyo, and Daniel Jebbison each contributed one goal.

In the Premier League, Bournemouth has unbeaten in the last eight matches. A 1-0 win over Everton on January 4, 2025, strengthened their position in the top seven of the standings, opening up their chances of appearing in European competition next season. By scoring two goals or more in the last five away games in the league, Bournemouth is now one of the team that is difficult to beat, especially in away games.

However, the record meeting against Chelsea did not side with Bournemouth. In the last six meetings, they have never won, including a 0-1 loss at home last September.

Chelsea have to play without some core players. Wesley Fofana (hamstring), Benoit Badiashile (paha), Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (unknown injury), and Omari Kellyman (hamstring) are ruled out. Mykhaylo Mudryk also couldn't play because he was suspended. In addition, Noni Madueke is doubtful of appearing due to illness.

However, Enzo Maresca is likely to field his best team after making a massive rotation in the FA Cup game. Pedro Neto, who performed well in the match against Morecambe, may be back in the starting position. Young Josh Acheampong also has the chance to return to the first team after impressing.

Bournemouth is also facing an injury crisis. Marcos Senesi (paha), Alex Scott (lutut), Marcus Tavernier (paha), Luis Sinisterra (paha), and Adam Smith (unknown injury) are on the attendance list. In addition, Enes Unal and Evanilson are confirmed to be absent in the long term.

Despite losing several key players, Bournemouth has enough squad depth. Dango Ouattara and Antoine Semenyo are expected to be the mainstay of the attack line. Meanwhile, Daniel Jebbison who scored in the FA Cup also had the opportunity to appear from the start.

Chelsea are predicted to perform in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo will be the game axes in midfield, while Jadon Sancho, Cole Palmer, and Pedro Neto are expected to provide creativity to support major striker Nicolas Jackson.

Bournemouth, on the other hand, most likely uses an attacking approach with a 4-2-3-1 formation. The combination of their front lines consisting of Justin Kluivert, Dango Ouattara, and Antoine Semenyo could pose a serious threat to Chelsea's recent defense which has been less consistent.

Chelsea had a good record in their meeting against Bournemouth. In the last six matches, the Blues recorded four wins and two draws. At the last meeting at Vitality Stadium last September, Chelsea narrowly won 1-0 thanks to Christopher Nkunku's goal.

Chelsea have an advantage in terms of player quality and meeting records. However, Bournemouth came with high confidence thanks to their unbeaten record. The game is predicted to go tight, but Chelsea who play at home are expected to be able to secure three points.

Player Composition Forecast

Chelsea : Sanchez; Gusto, Acheampong, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Sancho, Palmer, Neto; Jackson.

Bournemouth :ploy; Hill, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Christie, Cook; Brooks, Kluivert, Ouattara; Semenyo.

Score Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Bournemouth