Chelsea vs Bournemouth predicted as Premier League classic unfolds
After putting an end to their winless run on the weekend, Chelsea will be looking to pick up a much-needed three points against Bournemouth in the Premier League later today.
Chelsea kicked off their FA Cup campaign with a convincing 5-0 win over Morecambe in their last outing, setting up a clash with Brighton and Hove Albion in the fourth round of the competition next month. The victory ended the Blues' four-game winless run across all competitions, and Enzo Maresca will be hoping his side can build on the weekend's win when they welcome Bournemouth to Stamford Bridge.
The last meeting between the two sides saw Christopher Nkunku score in the 86th minute for Chelsea to secure a 1-0 win after Robert Sanchez saved a penalty earlier in the game. If the Cherries manage to pick up three points instead, they will go level on points with Maresca's side.
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READ MORE: Chelsea vs Morecambe simulated to get a score prediction for FA Cup clash
So, how will Chelsea fare late today? Let's take a look.
We simulated Chelsea vs Bournemouth to get a score prediction
To complete this simulation, we used EA FC 25 and updated the squads with the latest injuries, suspensions and transfers.
We predict that Chelsea could set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with their line-up as follows: Sanchez; Gusto, Acheampong, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson.
We predict that the Cherries could set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with their line-up as follows: Travers; Hill, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Christie, Cook; Brooks, Kluivert, Ouattara; Semenyo.
Bournemouth have been suffering from injury issues in attack, but they proved that it wasn't an issue in the opening 20 minutes, with the Cherries shocking Stamford Bridge to race into an early two-goal lead. The first goal came seven minutes in when Dean Huijsen headed home from a corner at the front post, and in the 18th minute, it was 2-0, with another corner leading to a goalmouth scramble where Antoine Semenyo poked home from close range.
The visitors defended well to go into the break ahead, and after a period of relentless pressure in the second half, Chelsea pulled a goal back in the 72nd minute.
Levi Colwill's header from a corner was well blocked by a Bournemouth defender, but the loose ball fell to the feet of Josh Acheampong who rifled the ball into the roof of the net to make it 2-1. Maresca's side were suddenly in full control, and in the 80th minute, the Blues made it 2-2
Jadon Sancho weaved past two defenders on the left before drilling a cross into the box, and a smart flick from Nicolas Jackson at the front post sent the ball through the 'keeper's legs to level the score. Bournemouth were struggling to cope as Chelsea continued to press, and in the 89th minute, the comeback was complete.
After collecting a cross, Sanchez launched the ball forward, and a flicked header from Jackson on the halfway line sent the overlapping Cole Palmer through on goal. With plenty of time, the Englishman remained composed, sending his shot into the far corner to secure the three points late on.
EA FC 24 predicted final score: Chelsea 3-2 Bournemouth
What do you think the final score will be? Let us know in the comments!