Chelsea vs Bournemouth tips and predictions: Blues on hunt for European return
![Mykhailo Mudryk and Christopher Nkunku](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.planetsport.com%2Fimage-library%2Fland%2F700%2F529424_mykhailo-mudryk-christopher-nkunku-chelsea.webp&w=3840&q=75)
Chelsea will be looking to end the Premier League season on a high when they welcome Bournemouth to Stamford Bridge this Sunday (1600 BST).
The Blues have spent the majority of the season meandering in the middle of the table, yet a late burst of victories have thrust the club towards European qualification.
Maurico Pochettino has endured a lot of frustrations throughout the campaign, but his billion-dollar puzzle pieces are finally beginning to fall into place.
Chelsea are looking for their fifth straight win in the Premier League after overcoming Tottenham, West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Brighton.
During this run of victories, the Blues scored 12 goals and kept two clean sheets. Looking at their record over a longer period of time, Chelsea have lost just two of their last 15 games across all competitions.
Whether the Blues can be serious players next season remains to be seen. Though if Pochettino can win on Sunday, bag a top six finish and seal a return to European football, that will be a clear sign of movement in the right direction.
Speaking of right directions, Bournemouth have certainly enjoyed a tremendous campaign.
The Cherries could finish inside the top 10 with victory on Sunday which would be a truly astounding feat for a club of Bournemouth’s size.
For all their successes, Andoni Iraola’s side have dipped towards the end of the season and are looking to avoid a third straight defeat.
Considering the Blues have a lot more to play for, we’re backing Chelsea to walk away with all three points.
Team news
Chelsea head into the final match of the season without Enzo Fernandez, Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia and the suspended Reece James.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, will be missing Ryan Fredericks and Luis Sinisterra.
Key stats
- Chelsea are unbeaten in four Premier League games against Bournemouth
- Bournemouth have won three of their last six trips to Stamford Bridge in the Premier League
- Chelsea have won nine of their last 11 Premier League home games
- Bournemouth are looking to avoid a third straight defeats
Suggested bets