On this Chelsea vs Bournemouth match preview, December’s demanding schedule exhibits no mercy. With one other full-tilt Premier League fixture on the horizon—and a vital UEFA Champions League journey to Atalanta simply days away—Chelsea put together for a difficult go to to the Vitality Stadium. Membership historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton break down the important thing storylines forward of this weekend’s conflict.
Grinding By December: Context & Type
This will probably be Chelsea’s third league match in simply seven days, and each side arrive seeking to shake off midweek disappointment.
Bournemouth have been handed an additional day of relaxation however stay winless in 5 after struggling their first house defeat of the season, falling 1-0 to Everton.
An evening later at Elland Highway, the Blues noticed a seven-game unbeaten run snapped. The loss dropped Chelsea from second to fourth within the Premier League desk—however Enzo Maresca’s crew nonetheless boasts the third-best away document within the division, with 13 factors and a powerful +7 aim distinction.
Latest Conferences & Memorable Moments
Chelsea have loved a powerful run towards Bournemouth, unbeaten previously seven Premier League conferences and profitable 4.
The latest conflict on the Vitality—in September 2024—completed 1–0 to the Blues because of a late Christopher Nkunku winner. That match additionally delivered a Premier League document of 14 yellow playing cards, and Robert Sánchez memorably denied Evanilson from the spot.
And who might neglect the targets from Pedro, Willian and Eden Hazard within the 4–1 victory again in April 2016, or the three–1 triumph on King Charles III’s coronation day in 2023?
Throughout all competitions, Chelsea have gained 15 of the 23 conferences, shedding 5.
Workforce Information: Rotation Looms Once more
Chelsea journey with out Moisés Caicedo, who serves the second of his three-match suspension. Accidents additionally preserve Levi Colwill, Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia sidelined.
There’s excellent news although: Cole Palmer returned from his two-month absence at Elland Highway and will characteristic once more. Maresca confirmed no new accidents, however the relentless December schedule might drive additional rotation.
“A lot of the rotation we do is as a result of some gamers can not play each three days,” Maresca defined. “It’s essentially the most tough factor for me this season as a result of, for a lot of causes, we now have to make adjustments.”
Stats to Know
Chelsea have scored in 20 straight matches throughout all competitions.
Pedro Neto is now Chelsea’s main scorer, with 5 Premier League targets—matching his best-ever top-flight tally.
Earlier than Jaka Bijol’s aim for Leeds, Chelsea had opened the scoring in eight consecutive league matches.
Bournemouth, Brentford, Brighton and Fulham stay the one present Premier League golf equipment but to win a significant trophy.
The crew scoring first has gained 13 of the final 15 Chelsea–Bournemouth matches wherein the impasse was damaged.
Bournemouth’s subs ranked second in Premier League aim contributions final season; this 12 months they sit joint-fourth.
Wanting Forward
Maresca and Andoni Iraola gained’t wait lengthy for his or her subsequent tactical tussle—the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge arrives in simply three and a half weeks.
Chelsea’s problem now’s to rediscover momentum, handle weary legs, and lengthen their robust away kind. One other December check awaits on the South Coast, however the Blues have historical past—and high quality—on their aspect.


























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