Bournemouth returns from the first international break of the 2024/25 Premier League season with the hosting of Chelsea. Here is a preview.
Although AFC Bournemouth have had some memorable runouts against Chelsea over the years, the Cherries have failed to win the last five encounters against the Londoners. Coincidentally, this corresponding fixture last term was also immediately after the first international break of the 2023/24 season, but both sides will be looking for something better than the goalless draw on that occasion.
Nevertheless, Chelsea were 2-1 winners on the final day of last season to stretch their unbeaten run against Bournemouth to five games and end their campaign in sixth position. That late-season rally was made possible by losing only one of their final 15 Premier League games
Very few would have envisaged Bournemouth finishing in 12th place, considering that they went winless in their first nine matches of the season. Andoni Iraola hence deserves massive credit for turning the club’s fortunes around after a less-than-ideal start to life at the Vitality Stadium.
The South Coast side ended up totalling their best points tally (48) in the Premier League, with a whopping 22 points clear of the relegation zone.
The improvement of individual players was also notable as Dominic Solanke in particular enjoyed a fantastic campaign with his highest goal tally in a top-flight season.
There will be lots of optimism this term and they must get off to a good start.
The campaign commences at Nottingham Forest before they welcome Newcastle and then travel to Everton, so there will have been enough match action and completed transfer deals when Chelsea visit in mid-September.
For Chelsea, the aim is to improve on their strong finish to the last campaign with a settled squad going into what should be a crucial season for the Blues.
Despite steadying the ship somewhat as his team built some chemistry in this calendar year, Mauricio Pochettino left the club on mutual terms with one of the main reasons suggested for his departure being disagreements over plans for the summer transfer window.
Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca was appointed for his innovative coaching and suitability to work within a modern structure which requires improving with the talented young players at his disposal.
Chelsea are already building the foundations of their new manager’s expansive style of play on the squad, and several key signings are needed to take them to the next level under Todd Boehly & Clearlake Capital’s ownership.
The Stamford Bridge outfit are hoping for better fortunes on the injury front which hindered their progress at times last season, and their work in pre-season has so far been casualty-free.
There is positivity spreading for a new season with a clean slate for everybody and Maresca will see his players in action during a tour of the United States where they take on Wrexham, Celtic, Club America, Manchester City, Real Madrid, and then return to London to face Inter Milan.
Match tickets
This Premier League fixture takes place on Saturday, 14 September 2024 at 8 PM UK time. Match tickets are available for sale on the website of each club but priority will be given to ticket holders and club members.
It should be complicated to find tickets as this game is set to be sold out given it is an early-season fixture in an arena admitting just over 11,000 at the Vitality Stadium. Official channels will hence be overwhelmed so interested fans may have to find alternate means.
We urge traveling supporters looking for Bournemouth vs Chelsea tickets to purchase them on a ticket resale site.
Team news
Iraola has a tight-knit group of players that were so impressive in his maiden campaign and only a few more have been added to their squad so far. Following the arrival of Alex Paulsen and the permanent signing of Enes Unal, Bournemouth have also signed Daniel Jebbison on a free transfer.
On the other hand, Ryan Fredericks, Jamal Lowe, Darren Randolph and Emiliano Marcondes were all released on free transfers and we could see several incomings to replace the numbers.
Premier League Young Player of the Year Cole Palmer is the crown jewel of Chelsea’s attack and he will hope to have a stronger, injury-free unit around him in this coming season.
Par for the course, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Omari Kellyman, Marc Guiu, Tosin Adarabioyo and Renato Veiga have all joined this summer with Estevao Willian to follow in 2025.
There have also been six departures so far with the likes of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Romelu Lukaku and Conor Gallagher also expected to leave.
All of Chelsea’s key players who missed the majority of last season – Reece James, Romeo Lavia, Christopher Nkunku and Wesley Fofana – are also present in this preseason and could make a massive difference to the side should they stay fit through most of 2024/25.
Line-ups
Solanke will once again be the main man but Bournemouth will be pleased that his supporting cast which features the likes of Justin Kluivert and Antoine sem*nyo also delivered tangible goal contributions.
Bournemouth: Neto; Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Scott, Cook; sem*nyo, Christie, Kluivert; Solanke
This is the first game after Reece James’ three-match ban expires so the Chelsea captain is expected to make his first competitive start under Enzo Maresca.
How and who they set up within midfield remains to be seen, but it should nevertheless be an interesting time for the Blues.
Chelsea: Sanchez; James, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez, Dewsbury-Hall; Palmer, Nkunku, Mudryk
Prediction
Bournemouth have the credentials to cause Chelsea a few problems going forward as last season showed their willingness to play attacking football. Additionally, they will be desperate for another memorable evening against the West London side.
Chelsea can count on their good form against the Cherries and the vibrant mood from a new playing style under their new boss should be enough to supply them with enough goalscoring chances. Will old issues in front of the goal come back to haunt them next term?
Bournemouth 0-2 Chelsea
