Chelsea vs AFC Bournemouth Prediction: Goalfest looks likely at the Bridge

Chelsea welcome AFC Bournemouth to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night (19:30, live on TNT Sports 3) with just three points separating the sides in the Premier League table.

Enzo Maresca's men thrashed Morecambe on Saturday in FA Cup action, while the Cherries also booked their place in the fourth round courtesy of a big win over West Bromwich Albion. Read on for my Chelsea vs AFC Bournemouth prediction, as well as the latest team news and match odds.

Football Odds

Team News

Chelsea will continue to be without the services of Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Omari Kellyman, Mykhaylo Mudryk and Kieran Dewsbury-Hall, while Noni Madueke missed the Morecambe victory due to illness.

Maresca made 10 changes to his side at the weekend from the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on January 4, and he's expected to make a similar number of rotations on Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth lost Enes Unal and Evanilson to long-term injuries earlier this month, forcing the Cherries to recall Daniel Jebbison from his Watford loan, and he could feature here after scoring on Saturday.

However, Marcos Senesi, Julian Araujo, Alex Scott, Marcus Tavernier, Luis Sinisterra and Adam Smith remain sidelined for Andoni Iraola.

Chelsea vs AFC Bournemouth Odds

Chelsea are 3/5 favourites for the clash, giving them an implied win probability of 62.5%, the draw is available to back at 7/2 and a Bournemouth win is currently priced up at 4/1.

Cole Palmer leads the anytime goalscorer market at 21/20, followed by Chelsea teammate Nicolas Jackson (13/10), while Antoine Semenyo is the shortest-priced for the Cherries at 11/4.

Both teams to score - yes @ 1/2

I honestly think this is a game that could go either way, which is why I've decided to steer clear of the match result and focus on goals.

It wasn't so long ago that a Chelsea victory over Everton on December 22 would have temporarily taken them top of the league, but a four-game winless streak has pushed Maresca's men down to fourth spot, 10 points off leaders Liverpool.

A 5-0 triumph over Morecambe on Saturday will have boosted confidence levels, but they face a stern test in Bournemouth who are well within the race for the top four. The Cherries have held their own against the best sides in the division, losing just twice in six clashes with the sides above them.

In addition, both teams to score has landed in five of Bournemouth's last six away trips, with the Cherries scoring at least twice in their last five on the road, so Iraola's side pose a real threat here.

Chelsea have only kept one clean sheet at home this term, however they've also had no issues in finding the back of the net, scoring at least once in every game at Stamford Bridge since drawing a blank to Manchester City in the opening weekend of the campaign.

Cole Palmer to score anytime @ 11/10

It's tough to ignore Palmer's odds-against price to score anytime here, considering his record at the Bridge.

The England international has 13 league goals to his name, including seven in nine appearances at home. He’s also hit six goals across his last eight for the Blues, and looks a decent pick for Tuesday's encounter.

The 22-year-old was an unused substitute against Morecambe so he should be raring to go here, and looking to lead his side to victory in what could prove to be a crucial fixture in the race for the top four spots.

Offers

Tuesday (15/01): Place an In-Play single bet of £10 or more at odds of 1/2+ on any Premier League game on Tuesday and get £5 in Free Bets to use In-Play on Wednesday’s Premier League games. (Credited upon Bet Settlement)

Acca Flex: Place a pre-match 5+ leg Football accumulator and get a CASH bonus up to 100% if all of your selections win or your money back as CASH if one leg lets you down.

Double Delight & Hat-Trick Heaven: Place a pre-match single bet on the first goalscorer market and get DOUBLE or TREBLE the odds if your winning First Goalscorer bet scores a 2nd and 3rd.

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