Live streaming link for Chelsea vs Bournemouth (02:30, 31/12): Updated live broadcast link for Chelsea vs Bournemouth.
The match between Chelsea and Bournemouth will take place at 02:30 on December 31 and will be broadcast live on the K+ Action channel.
Chelsea enters the home game against Bournemouth under considerable pressure after a string of disappointing results. Having earned only 1 out of 6 points in the last two rounds, coach Enzo Maresca’s team understands that a victory is necessary to restore confidence and keep their hopes alive in the Premier League Top 4 race. The recent 1-2 defeat to Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge broke their four-match unbeaten home streak and exposed signs of Chelsea’s slowdown, having won only 1 of their last 5 matches (3 draws, 2 losses).
However, Stamford Bridge still provides grounds for optimism for the West London club. Chelsea lost three of their first five home Premier League matches against Bournemouth but are currently unbeaten in their last three home encounters with this opponent (2 wins, 1 draw). Notably, this is only the second time in Chelsea’s history that they face the same opponent twice in one month in the Premier League, the first being against Manchester United in December 1998. End-of-year statistics also favor "The Blues," who have lost only 1 of their last 22 final home matches of the calendar year (13 wins, 8 draws).
On the opposite side, Bournemouth is caught in a troubling downward spiral. After a fairly encouraging start to the season, "The Cherries" have gone 9 consecutive matches without a win across all competitions, with 4 draws and 5 losses. The recent 1-4 defeat to Brentford highlighted defensive frailties, especially in away games. Bournemouth has conceded 27 goals in 9 away matches — the worst defensive record in the league. It’s no surprise that coach Andoni Iraola is under heavy pressure.
Nonetheless, the visitors still have Antoine Semenyo, who has scored at Anfield and Old Trafford this season, as a key asset. However, with their extended poor form (5 losses, 4 draws in the last 9 rounds) and an unfavorable head-to-head record at Stamford Bridge, Bournemouth is unlikely to produce a surprise. In this situation, Chelsea, with a strong attacking lineup including Palmer, Garnacho, and Joao Pedro, is expected to capitalize on the chance to claim all 3 points and regain momentum for the road ahead.