Chelsea vs AFC Bournemouth Predictions

• Bournemouth have the third-highest xG total in the Premier League
• Five of Bournemouth’s last six trips have seen both teams score
• Chelsea have scored 39 times in 20 league games
• The Cherries have scored twice in their last five on the road

Blues fade out of title frame

In the middle of December, Chelsea travelled to Everton knowing a victory would have sent them ahead of Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table. That high feels like it was much longer than a month ago, as a rotten run has pushed Enzo Maresca’s side down to fourth, 10 points shy of top spot.

Now Chelsea are refocused on keeping their place in the top four, following a four-game winless stretch in the league. The Blues demolished Morecambe in the cup at the weekend, but they’re in desperate need of Premier League points when they host Bournemouth this week.

Cherries making European push

While Chelsea are struggling, Bournemouth have surged into the race for the top four. The visitors are unbeaten in eight Premier League games and they’ve moved within three points of the Blues.

Bournemouth have held their own against the best sides in the division, losing just twice in six clashes with the sides above them. They’re also good value for their lofty league position, as they’ve racked up the third-highest Expected Goals tally, while boasting the sixth-lowest xG against.

Back goals at the Bridge

While Bournemouth’s underlying defensive numbers are good, they head to the Bridge having seen BTTS land in five of their last six away trips. The Cherries have also scored at least twice in their last five on the road, so they can pose a real threat on Tuesday.

The Blues have kept only one clean sheet at home this term, but they’ve also scored at least once in their last eight at home since drawing a blank to Man City in their opening match of the campaign. The Blues have rattled in 39 goals across their 20 league games so far, so side with goals in this clash.

Over 2.5 goals and both teams to score jumps out as the value here in what should be an open encounter. Cole Palmer is also tough to ignore at odds-against to score anytime. The midfielder has 13 league goals to his name, including seven in nine appearances at home. He’s hit six goals across his last eight for Chelsea and he can pick apart Bournemouth’s defence.