Bournemouth vs Chelsea Prediction & Betting Tips (14 September)

Since its return to the elite in 2022, Bournemouth has shown great things under the leadership of Andoni Iraola. Last year, the Cherries had no trouble securing their place despite a sluggish start to the championship. Indeed, they finished 12th in the Premier League with a comfortable lead of 22 points over the relegation zone. Eager to continue their progress this season, Antoine Semenyo's teammates started the championship with draws at Nottingham Forest 1-1 and against Newcastle 1-1. On the last day, they snatched victory on Everton's pitch by scoring 3 goals after the 87th minute 2-3. In the League Cup, Bournemouth lost in the lair of West Ham for their entry into contention 1-0. Despite significant investment, Chelsea have not been able to rise to the occasion of late. The London team also missed the Big 4 during the two previous years.

Trailing behind for a long time last year, the Blues finished the season very well to take 6th place in the Premier League. Despite this rise in the rankings, coach Mauricio Pochettino was replaced by Enzo Mareca this summer. The Italian technician's debut has so far been mixed. Cole Palmer's partners started with a loss against Manchester City 0-2 before inflicting a correction on Wolverhampton 2-6. Unfortunately, they did not confirm just before the international break by conceding, at home, the share of points against Crystal Palace 1-1. In the Conference League, Chelsea barely disposed of Servette de Genève to reach the group stage 3-2 after the two-way matches.

A trip down south. ⏭️ pic.twitter.com/SrKDrc3gI1

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 10, 2024

Bournemouth remain deprived of the often injured midfielder Adams and the Turkish striker Enes Ünal, on the flank. However, no other absences are to be deplored. Recruited this summer, Brazilian striker Evanilson did not score in his first two games with the Cherries. Winger Semenyo (2 goals and 1 assist in PL) is more to his advantage until now. Bournemouth's major offensive asset in recent seasons, striker Solanke (19 PL goals last year) signed for Tottenhamduring the off-season. This departure obviously leaves a big void that will be difficult to fill. We can also mention the departure of defender Kelly (Newcastle) or the loans of goalkeeper Neto (Arsenal), attacking midfielder Traoré (Auxerre) and wingers Faivre (Brest) and Anthony (Burnley). On the other hand, the club has strengthened with the arrivals of goalkeepers Kepa (Chelsea) and Paulsen (Wellington), defenders Huijsen (Juventus) and Araujo (Barcelona) as well as attackers Evanilson (Porto) and Sinisterra (Leeds). Chelsea side are still missing captain Reece James and the very interesting midfielder Lavia.

They were joined in the infirmary by starting defender Fofana. Not summoned with the Three Lions, playmaker Cole Palmer (1 goal and 4 assists in PL) has nevertheless been in sight since the start of the season. He should support Nicolas Jackson (2 goals and 1 assist in PL). Many elements left Chelsea this summer. This is the case of the holders Thiago Silva (Fluminense) and Gallagher (Atlético Madrid). We can also point out the departures of the less important Maatsen (Aston Villa), Hall (Newcastle), Hutchinson (Ipswich), Moreira (Strasbourg), Angelo (Al-Nassr), Ziyech (Galatasaray), Sterling (Arsenal), Broja (Everton ), Chalobah (Crystal Palace), Petrovic (Strasbourg), Sarr (Lens), Kepa (Bournemouth), Lukaku (Naples) and Ugochukwu (Southampton). As usual, the London team was active in terms of arrivals with the recruitment of goalkeepers Jorgensen (Villarreal) and Penders (Genk), defenders Anselmino (Boca Juniors), Veiga (Basel), Wiley (Atlanta) and Adarabioyo (Fulham), midfielders Dewsbury-Hall (Leicester) and Kellyman (Aston Villa) as well as attackers Pedro Neto (Wolverhampton), Sancho (Manchester United), Joao Felix (Atlético Madrid) and Guiu (Barcelona).