Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the English Premier League match.
Chelsea travel to the English Channel coast to face Bournemouth, who received a dopamine boost after a comeback in their previous match. The hosts are eager to end their unlucky run against Chelsea.
Bournemouth
The team managed by Andoni Iraola spoiled the party for a packed Goodison Park, which was eagerly awaiting Everton's first win. However, the hosts' defence was so frail towards the end that it practically invited Bournemouth to tear through it. Three goals were scored from 2.37 xG and 17 shots (7 on target). Notably, Antoine Semenyo scored in that match, his second goal of the season. The Ghanaian is the Premier League's most prolific shooter: no one matches his tally of 17 shots in three matches. Semenyo will be on the field against Chelsea, but Kepa Arrizabalaga , who contributed to the win at Liverpool, will not. The goalkeeper is on loan from Chelsea and cannot play against his club due to loan conditions. Another goalkeeper, Norberto Neto, was already loaned out to Arsenal. A reserve goalkeeper will take the spot, which doesn't bolster the defence's reliability.
Chelsea
Chelsea are currently extremely inconsistent. After an emphatic win against Wolverhampton, the club was expected to secure a comfortable win, or at least a victory, but the team couldn’t manage a home win against mid-table Crystal Palace. Chelsea tried their best, taking 13 shots on goal, with 7 on target, but their finishing let them down. They should have scored more, as their xG was 2.37.
Bournemouth — Chelsea Prediction
Interestingly, Chelsea's last home victory was against Bournemouth (2:1) in the 38th round of the 2023/24 season. Bournemouth haven’t beaten Chelsea in their last five matches (two draws and three losses), but anything can happen now, so we wouldn't bet on Chelsea. A different trend is emerging at the start of this season. Bournemouth have scored in all their Premier League matches. Chelsea have not, but they only failed to score against Manchester City. Bournemouth’s defence isn’t extraordinary, so they’re likely to concede at least one goal.
