Chelsea vs Bournemouth Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 English Premier League
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With their goal difference at +13, Chelsea have basically guaranteed themselves a top six finish but will still need a win to ensure themselves of European qualification.
KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: Sunday 19th May, 2024 - UK – 16:00 / US EST – 11:00 / US PST – 09:00
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: This match will be televised live on Sky Sports in the UK. / This match will not be televised live in the US.
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: This match will be able to be streamed live via the Sky Go app in the UK. / This match will be streamed live via Peacock in the US.
CHELSEA PREVIEW: UEL OR UECL FOR THE BLUES?
Mauricio Pochettino took his time getting to grips with the bizarrely put together squad at Chelsea. They still have quite a few issues to sort out and holes to fill but the Blues, unless there is an incredible 24-goal difference swing on the final day of the season, will be at the very least in the UEFA Europa Conference League next year.
They come into this one on the back of all but securing that top six or seven spot by defeating Brighton and Hove Albion by two goals to one in midweek at the AMEX Stadium with Cole Palmer notching his 22nd goal of the season in the league. Only Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool have collected more points than them since Boxing Day.
BOURNEMOUTH PREVIEW: CHERRIES AIM FOR TOP-HALF
Andoni Iraola was recently named as one of the five nominees to become the Premier League Manager of the Season alongside Mikel Arteta, Unai Emery, Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp. In his first season in England after joining the Cherries from Rayo Vallecano in the summer, Bournemouth had a slow-ish start but they have since majorly improved.
They begin this weekend’s round of fixtures sitting firmly fucked inside the middle-of-the-table, playing a proactive and front foot, intense style of football. However, they come into this one on the back of a 2-1 defeat at home to Brentford, making it back-to-back defeats after losing to title challenging Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium the weekend before.
CHELSEA TEAM NEWS: MUDRYK & JAMES MISSING
Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka is back in full first-team training for this weekend but the Blues will be without a couple of other players.
Ukrainian international Mykhaylo Mudryk is missing due to concussion protocols, whilst Reece James is out suspended. Robert Sanchez, Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia and Enzo Fernandez are all out injured, too.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Petrovic; Gusto, Chalobah, Badiashile, Marc Cucurella; Moises Caicedo, Gallagher; Madueke, Palmer, Sterling; Jackson
UNAVAILABLE: Sanchez (Injured), Fofana (Injured), James (Suspended), Lavia (Injured), Fernandez (Injured), Mudryk (Concussion)
QUESTIONABLE: Chukwuemeka (Injured)
BOURNEMOUTH TEAM NEWS: ADDITIONAL HEADING HERE
AFC Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola will be able to welcome back Milos Kerkez for this weekend after his recent suspension and he is also hopeful on the return of Romain Faivre from injury.
The Cherries are, though, set to still be without Ryan Fredericks and Luis Sinisterra. Chris Mepham has been described as 'improving' but it is unknown as to whether he will be fit to face Chelsea.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Travers; Smith, Zabarnyi, Marcos Senesi, Kelly; Christie, Cook; Semenyo, Kluivert, Ouattara; Solanke
UNAVAILABLE: Fredericks (Injured), Luis Sinisterra (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Mepham (Injured), Faivre (Injured)
CHELSEA VS BOURNEMOUTH PREDICTION
Chelsea are reportedly considering parting ways with Mauricio Pochettino just as he begins to steadily get an actual, cohesive tune out of his side – which would make sense based on the way the club’s ownership have operated since taking charge in the summer of 2022. Bournemouth play an intense style of football and have the motivation of finishing in the top-half. Chelsea are favourites but always seem to find a way to concede so backing that seems good value.
CHELSEA VS BOURNEMOUTH TIP: CHELSEA TO WIN & BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
