Chelsea vs Bournemouth | Premier League Preview & Betting Tips

This is a game Chelsea will expect to control, especially after a frustrating run of dropped points over the festive period. Bournemouth arrive knowing they’ve already made life awkward for plenty of sides this season, but trips to Stamford Bridge remain a tough assignment.

The atmosphere should be lively with a big home crowd keen to see a response. Chelsea are likely to dominate possession and territory, while Bournemouth will be comfortable sitting in a compact shape and trying to break quickly when chances arise.

Chelsea average close to 58% possession and over 14 shots per game, showing a clear intent to control matches high up the pitch. Bournemouth sit lower on average possession but still manage nearly 13 shots per match, suggesting they’re not shy about committing bodies forward when the moment’s right.

Set pieces could be important here. Chelsea score more than 0.3 goals per game from dead-ball situations, while Bournemouth concede over 0.4 from set plays, which could tilt tight moments in the home side’s favour.

Chelsea’s last ten reads as four wins, three draws and three defeats. They’ve scored around 17 goals in that run and conceded roughly 14, keeping clean sheets in 30% of those matches. Performances have been solid, but results haven’t always followed.

Bournemouth over the same period have two wins, three draws and five defeats, scoring close to 15 goals and conceding around 18. They’ve shown fight at home but have struggled to keep things tight on the road.

Chelsea at home across recent matches average well over 1.5 goals scored per game, but they’ve also conceded regularly, which has kept opponents in contests longer than expected.

Bournemouth away form has been shaky, conceding nearly two goals per match on average and picking up few clean sheets. Their away games tend to open up as they chase results.

Chelsea consistently create higher-quality chances, while Bournemouth tend to allow more than they produce, especially away from home.

Recent meetings have been tight. Two of the last three ended goalless, while Chelsea have won all three of the most recent clashes at Stamford Bridge. Bournemouth haven’t scored away in this fixture since returning to the top flight.

Chelsea should have too much control and territory here, even if Bournemouth stay competitive for long spells. Home pressure and set pieces feel key.

Prediction: Chelsea 2–1 Bournemouth

Main pick: Chelsea to win – home control and stronger underlying numbers.

Value angle: Chelsea & Over 2.5 goals – both sides trend towards open games.

Double chance: Chelsea or draw – Bournemouth’s away record makes an upset unlikely.

Over/under 2.5 goals: Over – both teams see over 2.5 goals in 59% of matches.

Half-time/full-time: Draw/Chelsea – visitors often stay in games early.

Over/under 9.5 corners: Over – combined average close to 11.

Yellow cards prediction: Around 4–5 total, leaning over 3.5 cards.

These numbers highlight why markets like home win, goals, corners and cards combine well for this fixture.