Bournemouth v Chelsea Predictions and Betting Tips

Saturday 8 April – Vitality Stadium – Premier League

Premier League leaders Chelsea visit the Vitality Stadium in Saturday’s evening kick off, as Antonio Conte looks for a win against Bournemouth. After losing against Crystal Palace at home, the Blues could do with a win to settle any title-chasing nerves.

Past Meetings

Chelsea have beaten Bournemouth comfortably in the last two meetings between the sides. The Blues ran out 3-0 winners at home in December and won 4-1 at the Vitality last season. However, the Cherries did secure a memorable victory at Stamford Bridge last season, courtesy of a late Glenn Murray goal.

Team News

Eddie Howe will be without Tyrone Mings as the Bournemouth defender serves the last game of his suspension. He’ll be welcomed back after being banned for five games for his stamp on Zlatan Ibrahimovic against Manchester United. Callum Wilson and Adam Federici remain long term absentees for the Cherries.

For the visitors, Conte tends to name the same lineup where possible, but may make a few changes after the midweek game against Manchester City. Victor Moses could feature at wing back after a calf strain, but Pedro will step up again if not.

Bournemouth v Chelsea Preview and Predictions

After securing such a strong lead, Chelsea have been counting down the games to the end of the season for a while now. Following the clash with Bournemouth there’ll be just seven left, so three points at the Vitality would be huge. The Premier League leaders will start the game as favourites, but the Cherries are certainly capable of an upset.

Bournemouth’s Premier League survival isn’t guaranteed just yet, and the game with Chelsea follows hot on the heels of a stern test against Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday. The cameras will be at the Vitality as Conte brings his men to town, and you can get a price of 11/2 on the home side claiming a win that would blow the title race wide open.

If Tottenham close the gap in Saturday’s early kick off against Watford, there’ll be extra pressure on Chelsea bearing in mind their next fixture is away at Manchester United. Conte has his men organised and disciplined though, and the Blues are 3/5 favourites to pick up the win. If you predict another bump in the road with two dropped points, the draw is available at 17/5.

Recommended Bets

Chelsea to win from behind at 17/2

Bournemouth could take a surprise lead as Chelsea start slowly under pressure. The Blues’ strength and quality should shine through though, as Conte’s men recover to take the three points.

Bournemouth/Draw Half Time/Full Time at 20/1

If you think Chelsea will huff and puff but fail to find a winner though, this is a great price for Bournemouth to be leading at the break but the game ending in a draw.