FRANK LAMPARD'S Chelsea return has been an unmitigated disaster and in-form AFC Bournemouth will fancy their chances of inflicting a seventh successive defeat on the Stamford Bridge legend in this Premier League encounter.
It's a good job games are running out this season as the Blues are plummeting down the table at an alarming rate and find themselves just nine points adrift of the drop zone.
Lampard's side turned in another shambolic display in a 3-1 defeat to Arsenal on Tuesday night, although Noni Madueke salvaged some pride with a second-half strike to bring up my BTTS bet.
Chelsea's expensively assembled squad look to have downed tools for the season and another defeat in this game could see them drop below both Bournemouth and Wolves to 14th in the table.
Most pundits wrote the Cherries off for an instant return to the Championship this season, especially after boss Scott Parker was axed in the wake of a 9-0 battering at Anfield in August.
But Gary O'Neil has done a tremendous job since taking charge and a run of four wins in their last five games has secured their Premier League status for another season.
Bournemouth smashed four past Leeds in their last game, bringing up two bets for our man Gabriel, and will relish tackling this Chelsea side as they play with the pressure off.
How the bookies view it
Going with the form book, Bournemouth should be favourites for this one but the bookies disagree with Chelsea just 23/20 at SpreadEx and the Cherries as big as 13/5 with the same firm. Don't rule out a draw and that pays 13/5 with William Hill.
Recent head to head
Bournemouth have a decent record against Chelsea in recent seasons and have lost just five of the last nine meetings, winning three. It ended 2-0 to the Blues when these sides faced off at Stamford Bridge earlier this season but the last meeting at the Vitaly Stadium was a 2-2 draw in 2020.
Players to watch
Dominic Solanke has played a big part in Bournemouth's resurgence and has netted three times in his last seven games. The former Liverpool kid is 7/2 for anytime scorer which looks a bit overpriced.
Chelsea looked a better team after Kai Havertz came on to replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang up front in the loss to Arsenal. The German should start this game and is 11/4 with Unibet for a goal. He's also 10/13 with the same firm just to have a shot on target.
Anything else catch the eye?
Chelsea's lack of fight was the most concerning thing about their defeat to Arsenal and the only collected two yellow cards, with the second flashed at Conor Gallagher right at the death. Bournemouth aren't scrapping for their lives anymore so it could pay to bet against a busy day for the ref, with under 3.5 cards priced 5/4 at Paddy Power.
Bournemouth have lost on the corner count in their last two games against strugglers Southampton and Leeds so it could pay to bet on Lampard's side in that handicap. Paddy Power price Chelsea -1 at 6/5 in the corner handicap.
This English Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Chelsea will be played on May 6, 2023 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best AFC Bournemouth vs Chelsea prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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