Chelsea vs AFC Bournemouth Predictions

• Chelsea failed to score in their final three games before the World Cup.
• Bournemouth have failed to score in three of their last six games.
• The Cherries are likely to adopt a defensive approach, and that could lead to a low-scoring game.

Chelsea seeking much needed win

Chelsea were in a real slump before the World Cup but they will feel the visit of Bournemouth is a real opportunity to get back to winning ways on Boxing Day.

Graham Potter’s side lost their final three games across all competitions before the league took a break for the tournament in Qatar and they have also lost their last three in the league.

The Blues should have the quality to overcome Bournemouth, who have four defeats in their seven away games so far, but the price on a home win is far too short given their struggles.

Goals could be in short supply at Stamford Bridge

Bournemouth have been thrashed 9-0 at Anfield and 4-0 at Manchester City this season but since their mauling on Merseyside they have only lost one of their six trips by more than one goal.

The Cherries have been better defensively since Gary O’Neil took charge and they will probably line-up to frustrate Chelsea, and that could lead to a low scoring affair.

The hosts failed to score in their three games prior to the World Cup break and as Bournemouth are unlikely to be too adventurous this may be a clash where goals are at a premium, so the odds against price on under 2.5 goals looks a good option in this fixture.

Chelsea have the edge

Chelsea’s issues have largely come away from home and Arsenal are the only team who have managed to beat them at Stamford Bridge this term. Potter’s men look the more likely winners, as the Cherries have just five points to show from seven trips so far, and as such a 1-0 win for the hosts is the correct score selection.