Chelsea entertain a struggling Bournemouth side at Stamford Bridge on Saturday in a Premier League gameweek six clash kicking off at 3pm UK time. Xabi Alonso’s men sit 10th on seven points, while Marco Rose’s Cherries are 17th on three, having failed to win any of their first five league fixtures.
Rose, who replaced Andoni Iraola in the summer, has seen the Cherries draw three and lose two in the league, scoring six and conceding eight. Chelsea haven’t won a league game in three since a 4-3 win over Brighton and Hove Albion, and each of their five opponents has scored at least twice against them.
The Cherries’ underlying stats are actually much better than their results suggest. They generated 1.50 expected goals against Newcastle United’s 0.66 and had 17 shots to eight, but still conceded an 88th-minute equaliser in a 2-2 draw.
Their inconsistency and aerial issues continue to haunt them as they suffered a 1-0 defeat by Liverpool on 20 September. They recorded 27 crosses, 27 touches in the opposition box, and 82 final-third entries from the visitors, but they won just nine of 28 aerial duels and were outgunned 1.57 to 0.76 on expected goals.
Marcus Tavernier remains the Cherries’ main threat, scoring three times in five league fixtures, including against Manchester City and Newcastle. At St James’ Park, he had five shots, four on target and won seven of nine duels. Rose is also without Alex Scott, who has a thigh injury that could keep him out until November.
Chelsea have not lost to Bournemouth in their last 10 fixtures, with five wins and five draws. The Cherries last visited Stamford Bridge on 30 December 2025, when David Brooks opened the scoring, and Justin Kluivert later forced a 2-2 draw.
Chelsea Fitness Doubts Cloud Xabi Alonso’s Selection Plans
Alonso enters the fixture with a couple of lingering fitness concerns, including whether Cole Palmer will be fit after sitting out the international break. Doubts also surround Moises Caicedo and Reece James, and Joao Pedro, who pulled out of the Brazil squad with a knee problem, may miss out too.
Marco Palestra and Emmanuel Emegha, both seen in training this week, are likely closer to a comeback. If Palmer does feature, Chelsea are expected to play a 3-4-2-1, with Morgan Rogers, who has scored against Fulham, Arsenal and Hull City, alongside him. Alonso is expected to provide a fitness update at his press conference on Friday.