CHELSEA will be bidding to secure a top-six finish in the Premier League when they welcome Bournemouth to Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Following a turbulent first-half of the season, the capital club finally appears to be heading in the right direction under Mauricio Pochettino’s management.
Last time out, Chelsea moved up to sixth place in the Premier League table thanks to a 2-1 win away at Brighton.
As such, the Blues will secure a place in Europe next season if they can bank at least one point when they play host to Bournemouth this weekend.
Having already topped their record points haul in the top-flight, the 11th-placed Cherries are still in the mix for a top-half finish.
However, Andoni Iraola’s side will make the trip to West London having lost their last two Premier League games, the most recent of whish was a 2-1 reverse at home to Brentford.
How the bookies view it: Blues to bag European berth
Chelsea are heavy 4/9 favourites on Bet 365 to claim the victory that would clinch a commendable top-six finish.
Bournemouth are as big as 21/4 (Bet 365) to bag all three points while a Stamford Bridge stalemate is also considered improbable at 4/1 (Bet 365).
Head to head: Cherries tend to get picked apart
Bournemouth have failed to topple Chelsea in each of their last four attempts, with their last success coming courtesy of a 1-0 win way back in December 2019.
However, Andoni Iraola did steer his side to a point when the pair last crossed paths in this season's reverse fixture.
Players to watch: Palmer pulling up trees
It would be fair to say that Cole Palmer has been one of the signings of the season in the Premier League. After netting his 22nd goal of the season at Brighton Thursday, the Chelsea talisman is a backable 5/6 (Bet 365) to make the net bulge against Bournemouth.
Bournemouth will be hoping their leading scorer Dominic Solanke will come back to haunt his old club on Sunday. The Cherries hitman, who has 19 Premier League goals to his name this season, is 15/8 (Bet 365) to strike on his return to Stamford Bridge this weekend.
Predicted line-ups
Christopher Nkunku came off the bench to score against Brighton on Wednesday so the French forward should be rewarded with a start on Sunday.
Bournemouth could be missing up to four players but they will welcome back Milos Kerkez from a three-match suspension.
Chelsea: Petrovic; Gusto, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella; Caicedo, Gallagher; Madueke, Palmer, Nkunku; Jackson
Bournemouth: Travers; Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kelly; Semenyo, Christie, Cook, Kluivert, Quattara;, Solanke
Anything else catch the eye?
Malo Gusto has become a key figure for Chelsea this season and he looks nicely priced to provide an assist on Sunday at 10/3 on Bet 365.
The French full-back was handed his first start since returning from injury at the Amex in midweek and played a helping hand in Christopher Nkunku’s strike.
That means Gusto has assisted a goal in three of last eight starts for the Blues, making the 10/3 (Bet 365) about a repeat on Sunday a value opportunity.
This English Premier League match between Chelsea and AFC Bournemouth will be played on May 19, 2024 and kick off at 16:00. Check below for our tipsters best Chelsea vs AFC Bournemouth prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
