Chelsea vs Bournemouth Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Tuesday, 30 December

Chelsea will host Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, 30 December, in a Premier League clash that promises to be an intriguing encounter. As part of the English top-flight, this match holds significance for both teams as they look to secure valuable points. Chelsea, renowned for their strong home performances, will aim to capitalise on their home advantage against Bournemouth, who are eager to climb the league table.

This Premier League fixture at Stamford Bridge sees Chelsea, a team with a solid track record in the league, face off against Bournemouth, who are determined to make their mark. The match is crucial as both sides are vying for better positions in the standings. With Chelsea’s attacking prowess and Bournemouth’s resilience, this game is set to offer exciting betting opportunities for those looking to place wagers on the outcome.

Chelsea vs Bournemouth Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Chelsea -1.00 (Asian Handicap)	2.4

Chelsea possess superior attacking quality and home dominance, making them strong favourites against a Bournemouth side that can struggle defensively. The -1 Asian Handicap is justified, offering a push if Chelsea win by one and full profit with a larger margin.

• Chelsea have scored in 89% of their matches this season, showcasing their consistent attacking threat.
• Chelsea have scored first in 71% of their matches against Bournemouth in the past five seasons, indicating their early dominance.
• Bournemouth’s defensive struggles make it likely for Chelsea to win by more than one goal.

With control over tempo, sharper finishing, and squad depth, Chelsea are well positioned to secure a convincing victory.

Betting Odds

Chelsea are clear favourites in this Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge, with betting odds reflecting their strong home advantage. Bournemouth, however, could offer value for those seeking an upset, especially given their knack for surprising results.

Betting Tip	Odds
Chelsea to win	1.57
Draw	4.2
Bournemouth to win	5.52

For those looking to bet on this match, the odds for a Chelsea win are quite short, so exploring markets such as both teams to score or over 2.5 goals could provide better returns. The draw also presents an interesting opportunity for punters seeking higher odds.

Chelsea Analysis & Past Performance

Chelsea have shown mixed results in their recent outings, recording two wins, two losses, and a draw in their last five matches. Their most recent defeat against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge (1-2) highlighted defensive vulnerabilities despite dominating possession with 63%.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Chelsea	Aston Villa	1 – 2 (Loss)	Premier League	27 Dec 2025
Newcastle	Chelsea	2 – 2 (Draw)	Premier League	20 Dec 2025
Cardiff	Chelsea	1 – 3 (Win)	EFL Cup	16 Dec 2025
Chelsea	Everton	2 – 0 (Win)	Premier League	13 Dec 2025
Atalanta	Chelsea	2 – 1 (Loss)	Champions League	9 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• LDWWL

Chelsea’s attack has been reasonably effective, averaging 1.80 goals per match in their last five fixtures, with João Pedro leading as the top scorer with six goals this season. However, their defensive record has been less solid, conceding an average of 1.40 goals per game and keeping only one clean sheet in the same period. At home, they have been slightly better, securing three wins out of their last five games at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea Suspensions & Injuries

Chelsea will have to navigate their upcoming match against Bournemouth without Levi Colwill, who is sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury until late April 2026. His absence means a potential reshuffle in defence, though the current starting line-up includes Reece James and Benoît Badiashile, who have been solid at the back. The defensive depth will be tested, but the presence of Trevoh Chalobah and Marc Cucurella provides some continuity and stability.

In midfield, the absence of Roméo Lavia and Dário Essugo, both out with thigh injuries until early January 2026, could impact Chelsea’s ability to rotate players in that area. Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández will likely be tasked with additional responsibilities to maintain the team’s midfield dynamism. This could lead to a more conservative approach to ensure defensive solidity.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Levi Colwill	Cruciate ligament injury	Late April 2026
Dário Essugo	Thigh injury	Early January 2026
Roméo Lavia	Thigh injury	Early January 2026

With no suspensions affecting the squad, Chelsea’s core line-up remains intact, allowing manager Enzo Maresca to implement his preferred tactical setup. The lack of depth in midfield could influence betting markets, potentially leading to higher odds for a lower-scoring match, considering the team’s need to balance between attack and defence.

The tactical adjustments may see Chelsea adopt a more cautious approach, focusing on maintaining possession and controlling the game’s tempo. This strategy could prove crucial against Bournemouth, who may exploit any gaps left by Chelsea’s unavailable players.

Chelsea Key Players

João Pedro emerges as Chelsea’s top scorer with six goals this season, providing a vital attacking edge. His ability to find space and his clinical finishing make him a constant threat in front of goal. As a forward, Pedro’s movement and positioning will be crucial in breaking down Bournemouth’s defence.

Chelsea’s midfield boasts significant talent with Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo leading the charge. Fernández’s playmaking skills and vision can unlock defences, while Caicedo’s energy and ball-winning abilities offer balance and control. On the wings, Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho provide speed and creativity, essential for stretching the opposition and creating chances.

Expected line-up for Chelsea

• Goalkeeper: Robert Sánchez
• Defenders: Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Benoît Badiashile, Marc Cucurella
• Midfielders: Pedro Neto, Moisés Caicedo, Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernández, Alejandro Garnacho
• Forward: João Pedro

Defensively, Reece James and Marc Cucurella are pivotal. James’ ability to support attacks from the right-back position adds an extra dimension to Chelsea’s play, while Cucurella’s defensive solidity on the left flank is vital. These key players not only bolster Chelsea’s tactical approach but also aim to exploit Bournemouth’s weaknesses, setting the stage for a compelling match.

Chelsea Tactics and Formation

Chelsea Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: João Pedro
• Midfield Pivot: Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández
• Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High possession and pressing style.

Chelsea’s deployment of the 4-2-3-1 formation under Enzo Maresca allows for a balanced approach, combining defensive resilience with attacking prowess. Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández form the midfield pivot, providing both defensive cover and creative playmaking capabilities. This setup supports the attacking trio of Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, and Alejandro Garnacho, with João Pedro leading the line as the primary forward.

Defensively, the backline composed of Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Benoît Badiashile, and Marc Cucurella is designed to maintain structure and discipline. This formation has faced challenges, as evidenced by conceding in four of their last five matches, indicating a need for improved defensive cohesion to secure more clean sheets.

Offensively, Chelsea’s high-possession game, coupled with pressing, aims to dominate the midfield and create opportunities through quick transitions. This strategy, though effective in maintaining control, requires precision in execution to convert possession into goals, especially against organised defences.

Bournemouth Analysis & Past Performance

Bournemouth’s recent form has been less than encouraging, with their last five matches yielding no wins. The team has recorded two losses and three draws, reflecting a struggle to convert performances into victories. Their most recent outing was a 1-4 defeat against Brentford, which highlighted defensive frailties as they conceded four goals despite maintaining 51% possession.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Brentford	Bournemouth	4 – 1 (Loss)	Premier League	27 Dec 2025
Bournemouth	Burnley	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	20 Dec 2025
Manchester United	Bournemouth	4 – 4 (Draw)	Premier League	15 Dec 2025
Bournemouth	Chelsea	0 – 0 (Draw)	Premier League	6 Dec 2025
Bournemouth	Everton	0 – 1 (Loss)	Premier League	2 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
The Cherries have managed to score only six goals across their last five fixtures, averaging 1.20 goals per game. In contrast, their defence has been porous, conceding 10 goals, which results in an average of 2.00 goals conceded per match. Bournemouth’s away form has been particularly concerning, with four losses and one draw in their last five away games, indicating a significant challenge when playing outside the Vitality Stadium.

Bournemouth’s top scorer, Antoine Semenyo, has netted nine times this season, but the team has struggled to maintain defensive solidity, with only one clean sheet in their last five games. They currently sit 15th in the Premier League standings with 22 points, and their inability to secure victories, especially away from home, is a pressing issue.

• LDDDL

Bournemouth Suspensions & Injuries

Bournemouth face a challenging task against Chelsea, particularly with a few notable absences due to injuries. The team will miss the services of Tyler Adams, Veljko Milosavljević, and Ben Doak, all sidelined until late February 2026. Their absence could impact Bournemouth’s depth, especially in midfield, where Adams and Doak typically provide energy and creativity. The absence of these players will likely force manager Andoni Iraola to rely heavily on the available midfield options such as Lewis Cook and Álex Jiménez to maintain the tempo and stability in the centre of the park.

Matai Akinmboni’s muscle injury leaves him doubtful for the match, further limiting Bournemouth’s defensive options. However, the starting defenders, including Marcos Senesi and Bafodé Diakité, will need to step up to fill the void and provide a solid backline against Chelsea’s attacking threats. The current defensive setup will rely heavily on maintaining discipline and cohesion to counter Chelsea’s dynamic forwards.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Matai Akinmboni	Muscle injury	Doubtful
Ben Doak	Hamstring injury	End of February 2026
Veljko Milosavljević	Knee injury	End of February 2026
Tyler Adams	Knock	End of February 2026

With no suspensions affecting Bournemouth, the focus remains on tactical adjustments to compensate for the injured players. The 4-2-3-1 formation might see a slight tweak in midfield roles to ensure balance and support for both attack and defence. The forward line, led by Eli Junior Kroupi, will need to capitalise on counter-attacking opportunities, given the potential midfield reshuffle.

Bournemouth Key Players

Bournemouth’s attack is spearheaded by Antoine Semenyo, their top scorer with nine goals this season. His ability to exploit defensive weaknesses and finish clinically makes him a constant threat. Semenyo’s versatility allows him to drop into midfield, linking play and creating opportunities for his teammates, which is crucial for Bournemouth’s tactical approach.

Supporting Semenyo, Eli Junior Kroupi leads the line as the primary forward, providing a focal point with his physical presence and aerial ability. In midfield, Marcus Tavernier and Lewis Cook are vital, offering creativity and control. Tavernier’s dynamic play and Cook’s vision can unlock defences, while Ryan Christie adds depth with his ability to transition play effectively.

Expected line-up for Bournemouth

• Goalkeeper: Djordje Petrović
• Defence: Marcos Senesi, Adam Smith, Bafodé Diakité, Adrien Truffert
• Midfield: Lewis Cook, Álex Jiménez, Marcus Tavernier, Antoine Semenyo, Ryan Christie
• Forward: Eli Junior Kroupi

Defensively, Marcos Senesi and Adam Smith are key players, tasked with maintaining solidity at the back. Senesi’s strong tackling and Smith’s experience are crucial in organising the defence. Their ability to thwart Chelsea’s attacking threats could be decisive in securing a positive result for Bournemouth.

Bournemouth Tactics and Formation

Bournemouth Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Eli Junior Kroupi
• Midfield Pivot: Lewis Cook and Álex Jiménez
• Defensive Strength: Strong defensive width but vulnerable to central attacks
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on wide play and exploiting set pieces.

Bournemouth’s 4-2-3-1 formation under Andoni Iraola is designed to maximise width and creativity. With Lewis Cook and Álex Jiménez in the midfield pivot, they aim to control the tempo and provide defensive cover. Ryan Christie and Marcus Tavernier, operating on the flanks, are crucial for stretching the opponent’s defence and delivering crosses to Eli Junior Kroupi, the lone striker.

Defensively, the backline featuring Marcos Senesi and Bafodé Diakité as central defenders, alongside full-backs Adam Smith and Adrien Truffert, focuses on maintaining a compact shape to minimise gaps. However, recent performances have shown vulnerability to quick, central attacks, as highlighted by their 4-1 loss to Brentford.

Offensively, Bournemouth leverage their set-piece opportunities and wide play to create scoring chances. Antoine Semenyo’s presence as a creative force behind Kroupi is integral to their attacking strategy, aiming to exploit any defensive lapses from Chelsea, especially in transition phases.

Chelsea vs Bournemouth Head-to-Head Record

Chelsea and Bournemouth have faced off 20 times, with Chelsea leading the head-to-head record with 12 wins compared to Bournemouth’s four, and four matches ending in a draw. Their most recent encounter was a goalless draw at Bournemouth’s ground in the Premier League earlier this December.

The last time Chelsea hosted Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge, it ended in a 2-2 draw back in January 2025. Historically, Chelsea have been dominant at home, but Bournemouth have managed to snatch points in recent visits.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	League	Date
AFC Bournemouth	Chelsea	0 – 0	Premier League	2025-12-06
Chelsea	AFC Bournemouth	2 – 2	Premier League	2025-01-14
AFC Bournemouth	Chelsea	0 – 1	Premier League	2024-09-14
Chelsea	AFC Bournemouth	2 – 1	Premier League	2024-05-19
AFC Bournemouth	Chelsea	0 – 0	Premier League	2023-09-17