Chelsea return from the international break in the sort of form that makes a home game against winless Bournemouth feel considerably less comfortable than it should.
Xabi Alonso’s side were beaten 3-0 by Brentford last time out and have now taken one point from their last three Premier League games. They’ve also conceded 12 goals already – more than anyone else in the division.
Bournemouth are still waiting for their first league win under Marco Rose, but they’ve been much better than that sentence makes them sound. They led Manchester City, Newcastle and Brentford at various stages before dropping points, while their only defeat immediately before the break was a narrow 1-0 loss to Liverpool.
Add Chelsea’s injury problems and Bournemouth losing Alex Scott on England duty into the mix, and there’s enough here to make this one even more interesting than it already was.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Premier League betting tips: Matchweek 6 picks and predictions
What are the best betting tips for Chelsea vs Bournemouth?
Both teams to score
Backing Chelsea to keep a clean sheet at the minute requires a level of optimism I simply don’t possess.
They’ve conceded in 21 consecutive Premier League matches, which is now a club record, and they’ve already shipped 12 goals in their opening five league games this season.
Bournemouth aren’t exactly firing every week, but they have scored in six consecutive Premier League away matches.
The other side of this is Chelsea’s attack. Despite all the chaos, they’ve scored 10 league goals themselves, and their matches are averaging a frankly ridiculous 4.4 goals per game.
Until Chelsea remember defending is also part of football, both teams to score is going to remain very difficult to ignore.
Chelsea over 1.5 team goals
I’m considerably more comfortable asking Chelsea to score twice than I am asking them to actually win the game.
That probably tells you where we’re at.
Bournemouth haven’t kept a Premier League clean sheet this season, while Chelsea have scored 13 goals across their last five matches in all competitions.
Even without Cole Palmer potentially available, there’s enough attacking talent here to cause Bournemouth problems.
The Cherries will also come to Stamford Bridge without Alex Scott, who could miss around two months after aggravating a thigh problem on England duty. That’s a massive loss in the middle of the pitch for Marco Rose.
Chelsea could win 2-1. They could draw 2-2. Given the way their season has started, 4-3 wouldn’t exactly require a stewards’ enquiry either.
We just need two.
Morgan Rogers to score or assist
With Palmer’s availability uncertain, I like looking towards Morgan Rogers rather than forcing an anytime scorer.
Rogers should operate in one of the two attacking positions behind the striker and ought to see plenty of the ball against a Bournemouth side yet to keep a league clean sheet.
Chelsea’s injuries could actually strengthen the argument here. Palmer is currently listed as injured by FotMob, while João Pedro is also a major doubt.
That leaves Rogers with even more responsibility in the final third.
Giving ourselves both a goal and an assist also feels preferable to asking him to stick one away.
BET £10 TODAY AND GET £30 IN FREE BETS TO USE ON THE PREMIER LEAGUE WITH MIDNITE
Where can I watch Chelsea vs Bournemouth?
Chelsea vs Bournemouth kicks off at 3 pm BST on Saturday, October 10 at Stamford Bridge.
The match will not be shown live in the UK because it falls inside the Saturday 3 pm blackout.
What is Chelsea’s predicted team?
(3-4-2-1): Martínez; Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill; James, Caicedo, Lavia, Hato; Palmer, Rogers; Welbeck.
Injured: Mike Penders, Cole Palmer, João Pedro.
Doubts: Reece James, Moisés Caicedo, Emanuel Emegha, Marco Palestra.
There are enough question marks there that Friday’s press conference could change this XI quite significantly.
What is Bournemouth’s predicted team?
(4-2-3-1): Petrovic; Smith, Hill, Silva, Truffert; Adams, Cook; Tavernier, Rayan, Semenyo; Evanilson.
Injured: Alex Scott, Junior Kroupi, Amine Adli, Julián Araujo.
Doubts: Veljko Milosavljević.
Scott is the big one. He has become one of Bournemouth’s most important players, losing him for this run of games is rotten timing.
Chelsea vs Bournemouth prediction
I don’t particularly trust either side here.
Chelsea should win at Stamford Bridge, but asking them to justify short odds after taking one point from three games and conceding in 21 consecutive league matches isn’t hugely appealing.
Bournemouth’s league position undersells how competitive they’ve been, too. Three of their opening five matches have finished level and they’ve repeatedly put themselves into good positions before failing to finish the job.
I think Chelsea’s attacking quality eventually gets them over the line, but I’d be surprised if Bournemouth make it straightforward.
Score prediction: Chelsea 3-2 Bournemouth
READ NEXT: Arsenal vs Leeds betting tips, team news and predictions
Some links in this article are affiliate links. EPL Bets receives commission from qualifying activity made through these links. This does not affect the odds or offers available to you. Odds available at the time of writing. 18+ New customers only. Place a £10+ bet at min odds 1/1 (2.0) within 14 days of sign-up. Get £30 in Free Bets, valid for 7 days on selected bets only. Free stake not returned with winnings. T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org
