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January 12 2025, 22:12 · Alex Lawes
Updated: January 13 2025, 16:26

Chelsea vs Bournemouth Preview: Team News & Prediction

Chelsea vs Bournemouth Preview: Team News & Prediction

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Enzo Maresca and his Chelsea side could do with a bit of a performance and a result at Stamford Bridge this week as his wobbling Blues take on an impressive and entertaining AFC Bournemouth side.

Kick-off date/time: Tuesday 14th January, 2025: UK – 7:30pm / US ET – 2:30pm / US PT – 11:30am

How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / US – USA Network

How to watch online: UK – TNT Sports app / US – Telemundo

Chelsea Team News: James fit to start

In his press conference, Enzo Maresca has confirmed that both Reece James and Romeo Lavia will be available to start this week after they both came through 45 minutes unscathed against Morecambe at the weekend.

The Blues are also boosted by the return of England international Noni Madueke after he recovered from illness but they remain without the likes of Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana and Mykhaylo Mudryk. 

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson

Unavailable: Badiashile (Injured), Fofana (Injured), Dewsbury-Hall (Injured), Mudryk (Disciplinary), Kellyman (Injured)

Questionable:

Bournemouth Team News: Attacking injuries

Andoni Iraola and Bournemouth have been dealt a blow in their search for European football with Evanilson out for a while after surgery and fellow striker Enes Unal set to miss the rest of this season due to an ACL injury.

Scotland international Ryan Christie could return from illness for the Cherries but goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is unavailable as he is unable to play against his parent club.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Travers; Hill, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Cook, Christie; Semenyo, Kluivert, Brooks; Ouattara

Unavailable: Kepa (Ineligible), Senesi (Injured), Smith (Injured), Araujo (Injured), Soler (International duty), Scott (Injured), Tavernier (Injured), Sinisterra (Injured), Evanilson (Injured), Unal (Injured)

Questionable: Christie (Illness)

Chelsea vs Bournemouth Prediction

Chelsea enjoyed a 5-0 thrashing of Morecambe at the weekend in the FA Cup third round thanks to braces from Tosin Adarabioyo and Joao Felix as well as a Christopher Nkunku strike. The Blues have, though, stumbled in the Premier League of late with just two points collected from games against Everton, Fulham, Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace. They now face an AFC Bournemouth side that came from behind to hammer West Bromwich Albion by five goals to one at the weekend and extend their unbeaten run of form to nine matches across all competitions. The Cherries face a stiff test here but will fancy their chances of at least hurting their hosts in midweek.

Chelsea vs Bournemouth Tip: Both teams to score