Bournemouth vs Chelsea – Match Preview and Team News | OneFootball

Chelsea travel to the South Coast on Saturday afternoon, aiming to reignite their Premier League title challenge.

Enzo Maresca’s side sit fourth in the table following a shock 3-1 loss to Leeds United on Wednesday. The Blues face an AFC Bournemouth team that is also reeling after suffering their first home defeat of the season against Everton on Tuesday. With both sides desperate to correct their course, this clash at the Vitality Stadium carries significant weight for the European and mid-table battles.

Bournemouth vs Chelsea – Match Preview and Team News

Team News

Bournemouth

Suspensions stretch Andoni Iraola’s squad. Midfielder Tyler Adams is banned after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in the defeat to Everton. He joins Lewis Cook on the sidelines as he serves the second game of his three-match ban. However, the hosts receive a double defensive boost with Marcos Senesi and David Brooks available again after serving their own suspensions midweek.

Senesi is expected to partner Bafodé Diakité in central defence immediately. Ryan Christie and Ben Doak remain out with injuries. Consequently, Marcus Tavernier could drop into a deeper midfield role alongside Alex Scott. Evanilson is pushing to replace Eli Junior Kroupi up front.

Chelsea

Enzo Maresca is expected to recall Wesley Fofana to the starting XI after the defender was rested for the trip to Leeds. Cole Palmer, who made his return from injury as a substitute at Elland Road, is also pushing for his first start since November.

The Blues remain without the suspended Moisés Caicedo following his red card against Arsenal. Long-term absentees Roméo Lavia, Levi Colwill, and Dário Essugo are unavailable. Pedro Neto scored Chelsea’s only goal midweek and is likely to retain his place on the wing.

Form

Bournemouth

The Cherries are enduring their toughest spell of the season. They have lost four of their last five Premier League games. Their 1-0 loss to Everton on Tuesday was particularly painful as it ended their unbeaten home record.

Despite their recent struggles, they have generally been solid at the Vitality Stadium. In fact, they have conceded just five home goals all season. Antoine Semenyo will be desperate to rediscover his touch, having failed to score or assist in his last six games.

Chelsea

Chelsea’s 13-match scoring streak offers hope, but their defensive fragility was exposed by Leeds. The Blues have lost just one of their eight Premier League away games against Bournemouth. However, they have struggled in the Saturday 3 pm slot this season.

They have lost both previous fixtures at this time. Pedro Neto is the danger man to watch as no player has scored or been involved in more Premier League goals for the club this season.

Predicted Lineups

Bournemouth predicted XI: Petrovic; Jimenez, Diakite, Senesi, Truffert; Scott, Tavernier; Brooks, Kluivert, Semenyo; Evanilson

Chelsea predicted XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; James, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro

How to watch Bournemouth vs Chelsea?

This match will not be broadcast live in the UK due to the 15:00 GMT Saturday blackout. Highlights will be available on BBC’s Match of the Day at 22:20 GMT.

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