Chelsea vs Bournemouth – Match Preview and team news

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The Football Faithful

·14 Januari 2025

Chelsea vs Bournemouth – Match Preview and team news

Chelsea welcome Bournemouth to West London tonight as they search for their first league victory of 2025.

Both sides booked their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup last weekend with comfortable victories. Chelsea put five past Morecambe without reply at Stamford Bridge, while Bournemouth overturned an early deficit to beat West Brom 5-1 on the South Coast.

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Defenders Renato Veiga and Axel Disasi are not expected to be involved tonight. The Portuguese international is heavily rumoured with a move to Borussia Dortmund while Disasi is also exploring options to leave the club.

Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Romeo Lavia and Reece James have come away unscathed after making their return against Morecambe. Noni Madueke has recovered from illness that forced him to miss the FA Cup third round tie.

Bournemouth’s forward options have been exhausted over the last week due to two unfortunate injuries. Evanilson required surgery after playing with a fractured foot against Everton. His usual understudy, Enes Unal, will be out for even longer after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury the day after.

Daniel Jebbison was recalled from his loan spell at Watford to fill the void and he could be in line to start after netting late on Saturday. Marcos Senesi, Luis Sinisterra, Marcus Tavernier and Alex Scott remain sidelined.

Chelsea vs Bournemouth – Match Preview and team news

Form

Chelsea: DLLDW

It was a comfortable Saturday afternoon for the Blues as they scored five and kept a clean sheet against Morecambe. The Shrimps frustrated Enzo Maresca’s side for 40 minutes which included Christopher Nkunku’s penalty being saved by Harry Burgoyne.

Tosin Adarabioyo’s deflected effort broke the deadlock before Nkunku atoned for his error shortly after the interval. The defender’s second was a long-range stunner before Joao Felix’s brace confirmed their place in round four.

It was a much-needed victory for Chelsea as it ended a four game run without a win. Following a run of eight consecutive victories, the West Londoners failed to beat Everton, Ipswich Town, Bournemouth and Crystal Palace.

Read – Chelsea and Bayern in talks over sensational double transfer

Bournemouth: WDDWW

Bournemouth’s quality shone through on the South Coast as they overwhelmed West Brom in the FA Cup on Saturday. Dango Ouattara starred as the Cherries overturned an early setback to win 5-1 and book a trip to Everton in the fourth round.

That positive result extended their unbeaten streak to nine matches. This is their longest period without defeat since 2021 when they were playing in the Championship.

A convincing scoreline against the Blues could see Bournemouth climb above Chelsea in the Premier League table.

Last Meeting

Bournemouth 0-1 Chelsea, Premier League, 14th September 2024

Chelsea left it late back in September to claim all three points at the Vitality Stadium.

Bournemouth started the game brightly and came inches away from opening the scoring inside five minutes. Marcus Tavernier took aim from 25-yards-out and the midfielder’s dipping effort crashed off the crossbar.

Chelsea were struggling to deal with the hosts’ energy and Robert Sanchez was called into action to deny Justin Kluivert’s volley.

The Blues almost bowed to the Bournemouth pressure. After a lapse in concentration from Wesley Fofana, Evanilson pounced on the mistake before being unfairly brought down inside the box by Sanchez.

However, the Spanish stopper immediately redeemed himself as he dived low to save Evanilson’s spot kick. Enzo Maresca’s goalkeeper continued to keep his side in the contest after half-time as he thwarted Kluivert once again.

The Cherries then struck the woodwork for the second time with Ryan Christie’s measured attempt kissing the post.

There would be a twist in the tale and completely against the run of play the visitors were the team to find the net. Jadon Sancho found Christopher Nkunku, who swiftly turned in the box before poking past Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The substitute soaked in the adulation of the travelling support before performing his trademark balloon celebration.

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What time is kick-off?

Kick-off at Stamford Bridge will be at 19:30 GMT on Tuesday 14th January 2025.

Predicted Lineups

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

Bournemouth XI: Arrizabalaga, Hill, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Adams, Cook; Semenyo, Brooks, Kluivert, Ouattara.

Read – Chelsea predicted lineup and team news vs Bournemouth

Who is the referee?

Rob Jones will be the match official. He will be assisted by Ian Hussin and Neil Davies while Andy Davies will be the fourth official. The VAR will be Graham Scott and he will be assisted by Sian Massey-Ellis.