Bournemouth vs Chelsea preview, predictions & confirmed line-ups as Tomori replaces Rudiger
Two teams fighting for their lives at opposite ends of the Premier League table will meet this weekend as Bournemouth host Chelsea.
The Cherries are just two points above the relegation zone and without a win in their previous two outings. With an away trip to Anfield following this match, there is a greater emphasis on securing points against the Blues.
Frank Lampard’s men remain in the coveted fourth spot, but the Londoners know any slip ups from now until the end of the season will likely be capitalised by the chasing pack.
So, will Chelsea further consolidate their position in fourth? Or can Eddie Howe make it back-to-back wins against the Blues on home soil? Read on for Bournemouth vs Chelsea predictions, TV coverage information, team news and more.
When is Bournemouth vs Chelsea and where can I watch live?
Competition: Premier League
Venue: Vitality Stadium
Date: Saturday, 29 February 2020
Kick-off: 3:00 PM (UK time)
TV coverage (UK): N/A
Last five meetings: Bournemouth vs Chelsea
14 December 2019: Chelsea 0-1 Bournemouth (Premier League)
30 January 2019: Bournemouth 4-0 Chelsea (Premier League)
19 December 2018: Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth (League Cup)
01 September 2018: Chelsea 2-0 Bournemouth (Premier League)
31 January 2018: Chelsea 0-3 Bournemouth (Premier League)
Aggregate Score: Bournemouth (WWLLW) 8-3 Chelsea (LLWWL)
Ones to watch
Bournemouth: Joshua King
Having reaffirmed his commitment to Bournemouth following a failed winter move to Manchester United, Joshua King will be indispensable to Howe in what looks like a tight relegation dogfight.
The Norwegian has featured sporadically this season, owing to various injury issues, but is back up and running and netted a brace the last time these two sides faced off on the south coast.
Key stat: In nine appearances against Chelsea, King has been on the winning side four times and netted three goals.
Chelsea: Mateo Kovacic
Following the 3-0 defeat inflicted by Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday night, Lampard was quick to single out the performance of Mateo Kovacic, suggesting the Croatian midfielder played with “personality” against the German giants.
Indeed the dynamic midfielder has looked the part in Lampard’s XI this campaign and has become an integral part of the Englishman’s tactical foundation. Against a midfield as industrious as Bournemouth’s, Kovacic will likely be the first name on his manager’s team sheet.
Key stat: Kovacic has completed more take-ons than any other Chelsea player in the Premier League this season (65).
Confirmed Bournemouth line-up
🚨 TEAM NEWS 🚨
🔺 Four changes from last week
🔺 Nathan Ake and Jefferson Lerma return
🔺 Lewis Cook and Ryan Fraser startJoin us LIVE 📝 https://t.co/sm2ixezIo4#BOUCHE // #afcb 🍒 pic.twitter.com/cr9T1Qw8jD
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) February 29, 2020
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Confirmed Chelsea line-up
Two changes for the Blues as @FikayoTomori_ and @_Pedro17_ return to the 11… 👊#BOUCHE pic.twitter.com/aCyBAIWDKf
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 29, 2020
Squawka prediction
It was a humbling defeat in midweek for Chelsea, which could spell the end of European competition for the club this season, meaning Lampard is set to go all-out in an effort to ensure his side finish in the top four.
With the talent at his disposal it’s highly unlikely Bournemouth will do the double over their visitors and win a third straight game against Chelsea. Expect a routine victory for the London club.
