Both Chelsea and Bournemouth will be keen to secure all three points at Stamford Bridge to end 2025 on a high note as the two sides meet in the Premier League
Enzo Maresca
Enzo Maresca has put his Chelsea future in doubt(Image: Getty Images)
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Chelsea and Bournemouth will both be eager to end 2025 on a high when they face off at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday. The Blues come into this fixture after a disappointing loss to Aston Villa, while Bournemouth suffered a heavy defeat against Brentford in their latest away outing.
Chelsea risk closing out the year on a low note after letting a narrow lead slip in Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to third-placed Aston Villa. Joao Pedro’s goal gave Chelsea the advantage at halftime, but the hosts were unable to contain substitute Ollie Watkins, who scored twice in 21 minutes to end Chelsea’s four-match unbeaten run at Stamford Bridge. That result saw Chelsea drop to fifth in the Premier League, now only ahead of Manchester United on goal difference, and fall behind Liverpool.
Manager Enzo Maresca, who served a touchline ban over the weekend, will be concerned by his side’s recent form—just one win in their last five league matches (three draws, two losses), including a goalless draw in the reverse fixture against Bournemouth earlier this month. This marks the first time since 1998 that Chelsea will play the same opponent twice in a single month. However, they can draw confidence from winning two of their last three home games against Bournemouth, though it took a dramatic 95th-minute equaliser to secure a 2-2 draw in their January meeting at Stamford Bridge. Historically, Chelsea have performed well in their final home game of the year, winning 13, drawing eight, and losing just once in their last 22 year-ending home fixtures.
Bournemouth, on the other hand, began the season strongly, finishing October in second place with five wins, three draws, and only one defeat from their opening nine matches. Their form has since nosedived, with just four points collected during a nine-game winless streak since their last victory over Nottingham Forest on October 26. The Cherries’ struggles continued with a heavy 4-1 defeat at Brentford on Saturday, where Antoine Semenyo’s goal was little more than a consolation. That loss also extended Bournemouth’s losing run to five games against the Bees.
Manager Andoni Iraola will be particularly concerned by his team’s defensive record on the road—Bournemouth have conceded a league-high 27 goals in nine away matches. With Chelsea ranking among the Premier League’s joint fourth-highest scorers, Bournemouth’s backline will need to be much more resolute if they are to claim their first win over the Blues since Dan Gosling’s late goal secured a 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge in December 2019. Adding to their challenge, Bournemouth have managed just one win in their last seven year-ending league matches (one draw, five losses), which does little to boost their hopes ahead of Tuesday’s clash.
Chelsea vs Bournemouth Team News
Chelsea defender Levi Colwill continues his rehabilitation from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, while midfielders Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia remain sidelined with thigh issues. The hosts are also anxiously awaiting further news on Marc Cucurella, who was forced off in the second half of Saturday’s defeat with a hamstring problem. If Cucurella is unavailable, Malo Gusto—who came on as his replacement against Aston Villa—is expected to make his 11th Premier League start of the season, especially with Jorrel Hato’s involvement in doubt after missing out on Saturday’s squad.
There may also be a change at centre-back, with Wesley Fofana pushing to partner Trevoh Chalobah in place of Benoit Badiashile.
On the Bournemouth side, manager Andoni Iraola recently confirmed that Tyler Adams will be out for two to three months following an MCL injury sustained in the 4-4 draw with Manchester United. Adams joins attacker Ben Gannon-Doak and defenders Veljko Milosavljevic and Matai Akinmboni on the Cherries’ injury list. Alex Scott will be hoping to prove his fitness after being substituted late in Saturday’s loss to Brentford, while David Brooks, Justin Kluivert, and Evanilson—who all came on at halftime at the Gtech Community Stadium—are in contention to start against Chelsea.
Chelsea vs Bournemouth Prediction
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