AFC Bournemouth vs Chelsea: Preview, Team News and Predictions
Chelsea will have to return to winning ways if they’re to avoid any scares of last season, when they travel to the Vitality stadium to take on Afc Bournemouth on Sunday, September 17th.
The Blues have salvaged just one win – against bottom-dwellers Luton Town in their opening four fixtures. And although they seem to be going in the wrong direction, Mauricio Pochettino has masterminded game flow control in all the matches they’ve featured in so far, including a showdown against Liverpool.
They recorded a rare double against Bournemouth last season, having won just one of their previous five against the Cherries.
The hosts, meanwhile, are winless in their last eight league matches. But defeats to Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, and hard-earned draws against formidable opponents in West Ham and Brentford might not entirely paint the picture.
Team News
AFC Bournemouth
Deadline day signing Luis Sinisterra is available to make his debut to Bournemouth, with the team otherwise muddled with injuries.
The medical bay includes Alex Scott, Ryan Fredericks, and Emiliano Marcondes. Dango Ouattara has shaken off an ankle strain and is in contention to suit up.
Chelsea
The Blues have witnessed over 55 injuries since the start of last season. Romeo Lavia suffered a fresh ankle setback and is set to remain sidelined alongside summer signing Christopher Nkunku.
Armando Broja isn’t far away from returning and testing Nicolas Jackson.
Pochettino confirmed Reece James is eyeing a return before the next international break, which sparks a pinch of positivity. “He’s recovering well. He is starting to do things on the pitch with the ball. He’s really well. He’s desperate to return and help the team. I hope he’s close and hope he can be available before the next international break,” said Pochettino, when asked about the Chelsea skipper’s return date.
And finally, Carney Chukwuemeka, Marcus Bettinelli and Wesley Fofana complete the injury list.
Predicted XI
AFC Bournemouth probable line-up (4-2-3-1): Neto; Aarons, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Christie, Cook; Brooks, Billing, Tavernier; Solanke
Chelsea probable line-up (3-5-2): Sanchez; Disasi, Thiago Silva, Colwill; Gusto, Caicedo, Enzo, Gallagher, Chilwell; Sterling, Jackson
Match Prediction
Both defenses tend to concede, and we can expect Bournemouth to crack Chelsea’s back line open. But Raheem Sterling’s form, combined with Jackson’s threat on goal could prove too much for the Cherries.
Predicted score: AFC Bournemouth 1-2 Chelsea
-Roy Akarshak
Twitter: @RoyAkarshak
Photo: Chris Downer. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.
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