Game Week 19 Predictions: Chelsea to beat Bournemouth

Premier League preview: Chelsea vs Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge – both sides slumping, Palmer key for Blues, Semenyo threat; verdict Chelsea win.

Chelsea and Bournmouth are both on the wrong trajectory, which of them will halt the rot with this game? (Photo credit: BBC)

Chelsea vs Bournemouth

Stamford Bridge Stadium

8:30pm

Without a doubt, these are two teams that need help. Chelsea at some points were in the title race; now they’re completely out of the top four, while Bournemouth, who sat in second place sometime ago, now sits in 15th position. They both need help.

We can argue successfully that the Cherries were punching above their weights early on. Andoni Iraola insists that the team is where he expects them to be, and, considering the mass exodus in the summer, they may well have hit the rock, and sinking might be inevitable.

Chelsea settled for a 2-2 draw against Newcastle with a spirited second-half display just before Christmas, and their next fixture saw them reverse roles; they played so well in the first half against Aston Villa and then crashed badly in the second half, which allowed their visitors to beat them 2-1.

For Bournemouth, you can’t make their slump up. They haven’t won a single game since late October, and they are so low in confidence. They put up fights, but to earn a draw at most, something has to happen to halt the rot at Bournemouth.

Enzo Maresca continues to manage the load of some of his players. Wesley Fofana missed the loss at home to Villa due to such management, while Cole Palmer’s minutes are also managed. Reece James seems to be playing too many games for his fitness history; it’s left to be seen how Maresca approaches this one.

Marcos Senesi has been immense in the defence, but losing the trio of Dean Huijsen, Ilyian Zabarnyi and Milos Kerkez would always come home to roost. Bournemouth concede freely; this makes their efforts at the other end futile.

Antoine Semenyo is their best player, and the Ghana winger is subject to transfer in January, which will further weaken the Cherries. Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool are all interested in Semenyo; can the Cherries hold on to him?

Cole Palmer is yet to hit top form, but don’t put it past him to do wonders in this game. Pedro Neto had a quiet game against Villa; he is one of the few who contribute a lot to Chelsea’s goals. With Liam Delap injured again, Joao Pedro is expected to lead the line again; Bournemouth must be wary of him.

The Cherries like to express themselves. They can trouble Chelsea’s uncertain defence with fast transitions and long balls. Semenyo again is the one to watch, but Justin Kluivert and Evanilson can also contribute something for the visitors.

Verdict: Chelsea to win.