New Delhi: Chelsea will play Bournemouth in Vitality Stadium as they come back from the international break. Cherries scripted one of the best comebacks against Everton. On the other hand the Blues headed to the break with 1-1 stalemate against Crystal Palace.
Bournemouth have a long way in the more recent times. Back in March 2023, the Cherries had put Arsenal in a spot of bother in Emirates with a 2-0 lead only to lose 3-2. However, in their win over Everton, it was Bournemouth who were losing 2-0 until Antoine Semenyo scored in 87th minute. After Lewis Cook equalled in the injury-time, Luis Sinisterra ensured that they have one victory under their belt this season.
Andoni Iraola’s side have now set a record for the latest a team has made a comeback after a two-goal deficit to win a Premier League game. Iraola’s fight-till-the-end attitude has helped the team stay undefeated this season. They have never gone without losing a game in their first four games of a season.
Bournemouth haven’t won against Chelsea since December 2019 and have lost three of their last five Premier League games against the Blues. However, they were beyond impressive when they managed to pull off a goalless draw over Chelsea at Vitality.
Chelsea’s off-field antics have somehow received more spotlight than how Enzo Maresca’s team have faired on the field. With the summer transfer window over, the focus is back on how the new manager of the club is going to lead the side this season. Chelsea started with a 0-2 loss against Manchester City. They regained their form with a 6-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Against Crystal Palace, they were looking the stronger side with more options in their squad. However, they were unable to keep up the consistency as Eberechi Eze equalled Nicolas Jackson’s first half goal. So far, their progress in the league has been mixed, sitting at the second half of the points table.
They have a three-match winning streak away from home in the Premier League that can make them more confident for Saturday’s game. However, it is still the defensive record that is making them suffer the most. They have failed to maintain a clean sheet in their last 17 Premier League games since playing Fulham in October of 2023.
Team news
Kepa Arrizabalaga won’t be between the poles for Bournemouth as the Chelsea loanee cannot face his parent club. With Neto playing in Arsenal, Mark Travers will guard the Cherries goalpost.
Bournemouth will also be without Dango Ouattara, who sustained an ankle injury during international duties. He will be on the sidelines along with Tyler Adams, though Enes Unal and Philip Billing could be making a return. With his brilliant performance at the start of the season, Sinisterra could find himself in the starting XI instead of Evanilson or Marcus Tavernier.
Man United loanee Jadon Sancho could make his first appearance for Chelsea at the weekend. Owing to his deadline-day arrival, he was unable to take part in the Palace game. Cole Palmer had pulled out of the England squad for the UEFA Nations League but has been seen taking part in training sessions for the club and is likely to be fit for the game.
Goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen was also seen training with the team and is available for selection. However news isn’t well from Reecee James, Malo Gusto, Omari Kellyman and Romeo Lavia who all are likely to miss the game in Vitality Stadium with Axel Disasi likely to feature as temporary right-back.
Predicted Lineups
Bournemouth:
Travers; Araujo, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Scott, Cook; Semenyo, Kluivert, Sinisterra; Evanilson
Chelsea:
Sanchez; Disasi, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Felix; Jackson
Early Predictions
Chelsea’s main problem is their inability to keep a clean sheet. However, with the break coming in just the right time for the Blues, they will be able to use their fierce attacking option and end with a 1-2 win over Bournemouth’s young side.
Where to Watch in India?
Fans in India can catch the Bournemouth vs Chelsea match live on the Star Sports network. The game will also be available for live streaming on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website. The match is scheduled to kick off at 12:30 am IST on Saturday, September 14.
Chelsea will come to Vitality Stadium to find their rhythm they had found towards the end of 2023-24. Bournemouth will try to use their home stadium to their level best. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
