Chelsea head to high-flying Bournemouth this weekend for their first game back after the International break. Despite the Blues getting a big 6-2 win over Wolves, it is fair to say that they're severely underperforming so far, and they'll be wanting to use this return to domestic football to get back on track and head up the table to the European places.
Bournemouth Recent Form
Bournemouth have started the season really well, managing two draws and one win in their first three games. Their sensational last minute win over Everton just before the International break may help their momentum against a decent Chelsea side.
Injury and team news
Bournemouth currently have four players out with injury, with Tyler Adams (Back), Enes Unal (Foot), David Brooks (Shoulder) and Philip Billing (Back) all reportedly listed as sidelined.
Last Bournemouth Lineup
Here is how the team lined up for their last match:
Chelsea Recent Form
Chelsea have had a mixed start to the season, with one draw, one win and one loss across their first three games. The Blues need to step it up if they're going to reach the European places that they want to achieve this season, with the Top 4 and a Champions League return being the ultimate goal.
Injury and team news
Chelsea also have a few players out, with Romeo Lavia (Hamstring), Reece James (Hamstring), Malo Gusto (Thigh), Omari Kellyman (Hamstring) and Cole Palmer (Knock) all reportedly sidelined.
Last Chelsea Lineup
Here is how the team lined up for their last match:
Bournemouth vs Chelsea - who is the referee and VAR?
Here are the confirmed on field Referees and VAR for the game:
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Assistants: Gary Beswick, Adam Nunn
Fourth official: Sam Allison
VAR: Peter Bankes
Assistant VAR: Scott Ledger
Bournemouth Player To Watch
Luis Sinisterra the Cherrie's best hope of breaking down Chelsea's defence at the weekend and getting them a surprise win.
Chelsea Player To Watch
If he is able to start, then Cole Palmer will be the player to watch for the Blues this weekend. His abilities were on full show during the Euros for England and he is only set to get even better as he matures in England's top flight.
Prediction
Despite Bournemouth having a decent start to the season, this should be where Chelsea start to find their feet and pick up some wins.
Our Prediction: Bournemouth 1 - 2 Chelsea
Betting Tips
Tip 1
Chelsea to win and Total goals over 2.5
Chelsea have won their last 3 away games. In 4 of Bournemouth's last 6 home games and 6 of Chelsea's last 6 away games, over 2 goals were scored.
Tip 2
Chelsea to win and Both teams to score
Chelsea have won their last 3 away games. Bournemouth scored in 6 and conceded in 4 of their last 6 home games, while Chelsea scored in 5 and conceded in 6 of their last 6 away games.
Tip 3
Total goals over 2.5 and Both teams to score
In 4 of Bournemouth's last 6 home games and 6 of Chelsea's last 6 away games, over 2 goals were scored. Both teams have consistently scored in recent matches.
