Bournemouth Set to Battle Chelsea: Key Matchup Preview, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

Chelsea get an opportunity to quickly bounce back from their Wednesday evening loss at Leeds United, as the Blues face Bournemouth in Premier League action this weekend.

Following strong performances against Barcelona and Arsenal, Enzo Maresca's team significantly damaged that momentum by delivering a poor showing in West Yorkshire. They now trail the league-topping Gunners by nine points, and their tendency to produce displays like Wednesday's has led many to dismiss their title hopes.

Nevertheless, they can get back to winning form on the south coast this Saturday afternoon. Bournemouth are struggling somewhat, with the Cherries suffering their fourth loss in five matches at home against Everton on Tuesday.

Andoni Iraola has indicated that insufficient energy has been central to their decline, with Bournemouth, when performing well, capable of overpowering opponents through their pressing intensity. Currently sitting in 14th place, they urgently need a significant result.

Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of the fixture.

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Bournemouth Team News

Iraola will need to reorganize his midfield for Chelsea's arrival, as Tyler Adams received his fifth Premier League yellow card against Everton, resulting in a one-match ban.

Lewis Cook is also suspended following the red card he received in last weekend's loss to Sunderland.

Without them, Adam Scott will probably partner Marcus Tavernier in a more offensive-minded central pairing. Ryan Christie remains sidelined through injury.

The Cherries' attacking talents, Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson, have struggled recently, but the Brazilian is expected to return to Iraola's starting eleven on Saturday, taking the place of young Eli Junior Kroupi.

Bournemouth Predicted Lineup vs. Chelsea

Bournemouth predicted lineup vs. Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Petrović; Jiménez, Diakite, Milosavljević, Truffert; Tavernier, Scott; Adli, Kluivert, Semenyo; Evanilson.

Chelsea Team News

Clearly, Tosin Adarabioyo eliminated himself from Saturday's selection with his terrible error that led to Leeds' third goal at Elland Road.

Wesley Fofana was omitted from the squad during the week, but there's no indication of another injury concern, and he should return to Chelsea's starting lineup at the Vitality.

Cole Palmer featured for 30 minutes after returning on Wednesday, and might be prepared for his first start since September. The Blues' number 10 shouldn't be expected to play beyond an hour, however.

Young Josh Acheampong could provide Malo Gusto with a break, while Reece James and Pedro Neto should both return to the team. Dário Essugo, Roméo Lavia and Levi Colwill remain injured, and Moisés Caicedo is serving a suspension.

Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. BournemouthEmpty heading

Chelsea predicted lineup vs. Bournemouth (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Santos, James; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro.

Bournemouth vs. Chelsea Score Prediction

Chelsea performed terribly at Elland Road on Wednesday, having expended considerable energy against Barcelona and Arsenal. Maresca's required rotation ultimately led to their downfall, and the return of several key players to the starting eleven should enable a better display.

The Cherries' decline has been unexpected, with their slump highlighting Iraola's complete dependence on energy and pressing without possession. They haven't managed to dominate teams lately, and early-season standout Semenyo has lost his form.

Still, facing one of the Premier League's elite clubs should motivate the home side, who desperately require points. Leeds' midweek intensity provided a template for containing Maresca's team, and if Bournemouth can execute effectively defensively, they'll have an opportunity for a favorable outcome.

Prediction: Bournemouth 2–2 Chelsea