Premier League preview: Chelsea bidding to build momentum at Bournemouth

Chelsea head to Bournemouth on Saturday bidding to build some momentum after a roller-coaster start to the 2024/25 Premier League season.

The Blues were defeated 2-0 by Manchester City on the opening weekend, before bouncing back with an emphatic 6-2 victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

A frustrating 1-1 draw at home to Crystal Palace left Chelsea marooned in the middle of the table and eager to start putting more victories on the board.

Online bookmakers fancy their chances against Bournemouth, installing them as the favourites to triumph at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday evening.

The sportsbook linked to the Betpanda UK Crypto Casino rates them as 97/100 shots to win the game, while Bournemouth are priced at 12/5.

Bournemouth vs Chelsea team news

Chelsea are sweating on the fitness of defender Levi Colwill who sustained a hamstring issue on international duty with England.

Cole Palmer is also doubtful after withdrawing from the England squad, although it is likely this was just a precautionary measure.

While manager Enzo Maresca may resist the temptation to make too many changes to his starting XI, Christopher Nkunku could replace Pedro Neto.

Philip Billing could be sidelined for Bournemouth, while Enes Unal and Tyler Adams will definitely miss out. Luis Sinisterra, Dean Huijsen and Alex Scott are pushing for starting roles.

Bournemouth vs Chelsea preview

Chelsea fans could be forgiven for being concerned about how the season will unfold given the manner of their first three performances.

They were devastating at Wolves, but failed to reach the same levels against Man City and Palace either side of that fixture.

However, the Blues have won three and drawn two of their last five meetings with Bournemouth, so should be able to head into the game in a confident mood.

However, with rumours circulating about ongoing issues between Chelsea’s ownership group, their mindset may not be where it needs to be.

Maresca will understandably strive to keep his players shielded from the off-field nonsense, but that could be easier said than done at a club which resembles a soap opera at times.

Despite their recent favourable record against Bournemouth, Maresca’s side will need to be at their best to take anything from the Vitality Stadium.

The Cherries have picked up five points from their opening three games, drawing against Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United before winning at Everton.

The manner of their victory at Goodison Park was particularly noteworthy, with the team netting three late goals to secure a 3-2 win.

That spirit should stand them in good stead against Chelsea and they will fancy their chances of upsetting the odds on home soil this weekend.

Winger Antoine Semenyo will need to be watched closely by Chelsea’s defence after bagging two goals and an assist in the opening three games this season.

A victory for Chelsea would unquestionably settle the nerves around the club and give the players a solid foundation to build from for the rest of the season.

Bournemouth vs Chelsea prediction

Chelsea’s performances have fluctuated wildly this term, which is to be expected given they are still getting to grips with Maresca’s style of play.

However, they showed plenty of signs of promise when winning at Wolves and a similar performance would leave Bournemouth chasing shadows.

The Blues are fancied to pick up three points this weekend, although the margin of victory will probably not be as comfortable as their romp at Molineux.

Bournemouth 1-2 Chelsea.