Bournemouth host Chelsea in an early must-win clash at Vitality Stadium.
Victory would see Bournemouth overtake Chelsea and go 14th in the table, whilst Chelsea can go eighth with a win.
Team News
Dango Ouattara is a doubt for Bournemouth as he nears a return from an ankle injury, although he won’t be risked unless he passes a late fitness test.
Ryan Fredericks (calf), Tyler Adams (hamstring), Emiliano Marcondes (foot) and Alex Scott (knee) are ruled out.
Chelsea hav no fresh injury concerns to report as Cole Palmer looks to make his debut, following his Deadline Day move from Manchester City.
Marcus Bettinelli (unspecified), Trevoh Chalobah (Achilles), Reece James (hamstring), Wesley Fofana (ACL), Benoit Badiashile (groin), Romeo Lavia (fitness), Carney Chukwuemeka, Christopher Nkunku, Armando Broja (all knee) remain ruled out.
When is Kick-Off?
Bournemouth host Chelsea at Vitality Stadium in a 2pm BST kick-off on Sunday 17 September live on Sky Sports in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Bournemouth are unbeaten in three of their last five league meetings against Chelsea (W2, D1, L2).
- Chelsea have won four of their last six visits to Bournemouth (W4, D1, L1).
- Chelsea are looking to win three consecutive league games against Bournemouth for the first time since they won their four Premier League meetings, between April 2016 – October 2017.
- Joe Rothwell is the only Bournemouth player to rattle the woodwork in the top-flight this season.
- Nicolas Jackson has produced more shots than any other Chelsea player in their opening four games this season, having managed to attempt 15 shots in four appearances.
Prediction
Despite having no league wins yet this season, Bournemouth haven’t exactly been poor because there has been a clear improvement in their attacking play amidst an injury crisis, yet sloppy defensive decisions have been their Achilles heel in their opening four games.
Andoni Iraola however should be pleased with how his Cherries came from behind to lead last time out at Brentford, and arguably deserved to win if not for a late slip which allowed the Bees to equalise so there is room for improvement at the back here.
Chelsea meanwhile continue to be an inconsistent mess and surpringly lacked end product last time out against Forest for all of their dominance, which wasn’t something that I expected although their defence could of reacted tighter to stop Elanga’s goal.
The international break would of therefore given Mauricio Pochettino a chance to work with those who weren’t on international duty, so hopefully we might see Chelsea click more as a team here otherwise this will be another long painful season for fans.
This trip to Bournemouth in fact might be the perfect tonic given their form at the Vitality Stadium in recent visits, but the Cherries could be a tough team to beat at home as West Ham and Tottenham found out so patience might just be of virtue here.
Prediction: Bournemouth 0-2 Chelsea
Result: Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea