Chelsea welcome the winless Cherries to the Bridge
Chelsea welcome Bournemouth to Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon in what could be a crucial match, especially with the league struggles of both teams of late.
Xabi Alonso’s bright start at Chelsea has faded
Alonso led his new side to four wins from their opening five matches in all competitions this season, with their only defeat coming against reigning Premier League champions Arsenal.
Even then, Chelsea took an early lead and showed plenty of promise during the game and it looked as though Alonso might just be the man to lead the club into a new era.
In the two most recent games before the international break, Chelsea drew 2-2 with Hull before suffering a truly dismal 3-0 defeat to Brentford. In truth, the Bees could have had more than their three goals, registering 13 shots in total.
Alonso’s side may have the joint-third best attacking record in the top flight, yet the Blues have conceded 12 times in just five matches – the worst defensive record.
There has been some positives, but until there are improvements defensively, Chelsea wont be a factor this term.
Bournemouth are still winless in the Premier League under Marco Rose
Bournemouth were always going to take time to adapt to Andoni Iraola’s departure at the end of last season, especially given how successful he was on the south coast.
Marco Rose was appointed, but the Cherries are still awaiting their first Premier League win of the campaign.
Against Manchester City on matchday one, Bournemouth were leading until the 84th minute, but then conceded twice to lose 2-1. It was a solid display, however, and the club have only lost once since.
Those defeats were sandwiched by three successive draws, leaving Rose’s men 17th in the table. Plenty of encouragement should be taken from the 2-1 Europa league win over Real Sociedad, yet questions will be asked until they finally claim a maiden league win of the season.
Despite losing four of their previous eight encounters against Chelsea, given how poor the Blues have been defensively this term, Bournemouth might not have a better chance to end that drought.
Team news
Chelsea came through the recent international break unscathed, with none of their nine-strong contingent reporting back injured. Cole Palmer did withdraw from the England squad, but he it looks like he will be fit to play on Saturday.
Alonso’s only absentee will be Jamie Gittens, who suffered an ankle injury playing for England U21s recently.
Rose hasn’t quite been so lucky. Alex Scott is now out for between 6-8 weeks after representing England during the break, while the likes of Eli Junior Kroupi, Julián Araujo and Justin Kluivert are also missing for this clash.
David Brooks is a doubt and it remains to be seen whether he features.
Prediction
Given the form of both teams prior to the international break, either side could secure all three points in this match.
Chelsea will be determined to return to winning ways, while Bournemouth are aiming to win their first Premier League game since May 9.
Goals are inevitable and I can see this tie ending in a high-scoring draw: Chelsea 2-2 Bournemouth.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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