Chelsea vs Bournemouth: Preview and Betting Tips | EPL 2025

The Cherries are eight league matches unbeaten and sit just three points behind the Blues.

Match: Chelsea vs Bournemouth
When: Tuesday, 14 January 2024, 21:30 SAST
Where: Stamford Bridge

Chelsea Form

Prior to two damaging defeats at the end of 2024, Chelsea were 12 matches without losing in all competitions. That streak included eight straight victories with five of those coming in league action. There were some notable wins in that run including a 3-0 home victory over Aston Villa and a 4-3 win at Tottenham.

A difficult run followed for Chelsea. They could only draw 0-0 at Everton and were beaten 2-1 at home by Fulham and 2-0 at struggling Ipswich. Their last league match saw two points dropped as they conceded in the 82^nd minute to draw 1-1 at Crystal Palace. On Saturday, the Blues made light work of minnows Morecambe as they won 5-0 in the FA Cup

Chelsea Team News

Enzo Maresca is without Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile in defence. Reece James is available and could make a rare league start. Josh Acheampong is set to keep his place at centre back.

Further forward, Noni Madueke should return to contention after illness but Mykhailo Mudryk is banned for a doping breach. Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson had full rests in the FA Cup and are set to start here.

Chelsea Motivation

The Blues will want to end a four-match winless run in the league. A draw here would feel like a defeat.

Maresca’s side have looked flat of late and lacking confidence in the final third. They may drop into a low block if leading to protect the result.

Bournemouth Form

The Cherries have been in sensational form since late October. They beat Arsenal (2-0) and Man City (2-1 at home) before successive league losses. They have since gone nine matches without losing, winning six of those and drawing on three occasions. They scored late to rescue a 1-1 home draw vs West Ham before winning 3-0 at Man Utd in a superb display.

Two draws followed, 0-0 at home to Crystal Palace and 2-2 at Fulham having trailed twice. Their last two results were a 1-0 home win over Everton with 19 shots and a 5-1 FA Cup thrashing of West Brom as they put up 2.73 xG.

Bournemouth Team News

The Cherries are heavily weakened for this match. Kepa Arrizabalaga can’t face his parent club in goal and defenders Maros Senesi, Adam Smith and Julian Araujo are ruled out. Alex Scott will play no part in central midfield either.

In attack, they face a bit of a crisis with Evanilson, Marcus Tavernier, Luis Sinisterra and Enes Unal all out injured. Dango Ouattara deputised up front against West Brom and could reprise that role on Tuesday.

Bournemouth Motivation

Andoni Iraola is a bit of short of depth in attack but he won’t change his progressive approach. They will look to attack Chelsea, even at Stamford Bridge.

A draw would be a good result on paper but they will play to win the fixture.

Key Stats

Chelsea have won 9 of their last 13 matches in all competitions

Chelsea have lost just 2 of their last 21 league matches at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea’s Cole Palmer has 13 goals in the league this season

Bournemouth are unbeaten in 9 matches in all competitions (6 wins, 3 draws)

Bournemouth have conceded 2+ goals in 5 of their last 6 matches vs Chelsea (4 losses)

Verdict

This is set to be an open and exciting match. The injuries for the visitors leans this results more towards a home victory.

Best Bet: Chelsea to win at 1.58
Alternate Bet: Chelsea win and Over 2.5 goals at 2.05
Value Bet: Chelsea win and Cole Palmer to score anytime at 2.89