Chelsea host Bournemouth in the Premier League this evening and will be looking to end 2025 on a high.
It’s safe to say Enzo Maresca won’t be best pleased with the results his side have produced in recent weeks.
Chelsea dropped more points against Aston Villa at the weekend, and it feels as though anything but a win could create panic.
Maresca will have to make changes for Bournemouth, but Joao Pedro should not be taken out, given his eye-watering record in this fixture.
Joao Pedro walking down Chelsea tunnel
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Joao Pedro nailed on to start against Bournemouth with impressive record
Pedro has been a success at Chelsea in his first few months, and has been on fire in front of goal lately.
He has scored in each of his last two Premier League outings, but that’s not why Maresca has to pick him.
Chelsea’s predicted XI for Bournemouth clash 👀
What changes would you make?
Chelsea's predicted XI for Bournemouth
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It’s one reason, sure, but his record in the last fixture of recent years is staggering.
At the end of 2023, he scored two goals and provided an assist against Spurs, and last year, it was two assists against Villa. That’s five goal involvements in the last two end-of-year clashes.
The Brazilian likes to cap off the year in style, and his recent form puts him in a great position to repeat the feat.
Chelsea’s end-of-year streak at stake
Last December, Chelsea finished the calendar year with a loss to Ipswich Town that was a turning point for the worse in their title charge.
If they lose to Bournemouth, it will bring an end to a run of 25 years. They’ve not lost their last league game in consecutive calendar years since 1990/1991.
What changes would you like to see Enzo Maresca make for the Bournemouth game? 🤔
Fofana coming in surely has to be one of them!
Split image of Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana clapping and Benoit Badiashile focusing
Credit: Alex Pantling/Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
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Momentum matters, especially at this point in the campaign. The mood around Stamford Bridge is hard to gauge right now, but another disappointment would be detrimental heading into the new year.
It’s a massive midweek clash for the Blues.
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