Bournemouth v Chelsea: Leaky leaders will concede again

Bournemouth v Chelsea
Saturday, 17:30
Live On BT Sport 1

Bournemouth 

The fine form of the Cherries continued in midweek when they held Liverpool to a surprise draw at Anfield.

Bournemouth came back from 3-1 down to beat Liverpool 4-3 in the reverse fixture earlier this season and on Wednesday they created more stress for Jurgen Klopp. Eddie Howe's team opened the scoring and though Liverpool recovered to take the lead, a late equaliser from Josh King saw Bournemouth leave with a 2-2 draw.

The result stretched Bournemouth's unbeaten run to five games, of which they won both of their home games. This change in form has seen Bournemouth rise to the relative safety of 13th in the league, though they remain only seven points clear of the relegation zone.

Howe will be without the suspended Tyrone Mings for this game, as the defender serves the last game of his five-match ban for violent conduct. Mings will join long-term casualties Adam Federici, Andrew Surman and Callum Wilson on the sidelines.

Chelsea

It's been a mixed week for the Premier League leaders, as they suffered a shock loss at home to Crystal Palace, before recovering to beat Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.

With second placed Tottenham winning both of their games, Chelsea's lead at the top of the table dropped from ten points to seven. Both teams showed resilience in midweek, as Chelsea fought off a strong challenge from Manchester City to get back to winning ways, while Spurs produced a stunning late comeback at Swansea to win 3-1.

Chelsea's loss to Crystal Palace has reignited the possibility of the title battle going into the final weeks of the season, where not so long ago it looked a foregone conclusion. Bournemouth represents another tough game for Antonio Conte's side, especially when you consider that Tottenham could have cut the gap to four points if they can win their Saturday lunchtime game at home to Watford.

One of the advantages that Chelsea have had over the North Londoners this season is a less busy schedule, which has resulted in Conte's squad suffering few injuries. Victor Moses is the only doubt for the trip to Bournemouth.

Ref Watch

Andre Marriner will officiate. Marriner has yet to send off a player in a Premier League match in 2017.

Match Odds

Chelsea are the 1.62 favourites, with the draw at 4.20 and Bournemouth at 6.40.

Considering the current form of Bournemouth there's very little value in the away win. Taking a chance on the draw half-time/Chelsea full-time double result is a better option at 4.90.

So too is the draw at 3.60 in the Bournemouth + 1 market. Chelsea's last four victories have come by a single goal.

Over/Under 2.5 Goals

Over 2.5 goals is the favourite at 1.87, with unders at 2.08.

The overs looks like a good value bet. Chelsea have seen three goals or more in five of their last six games, with their FA Cup match against a Manchester United side depleted by a sending off, being the only occasion in which they kept a clean sheet.

Both Teams To Score is another possibility at 1.93, with Chelsea's defence no longer looking as impregnable as it was earlier this season.

To Score

Diego Costa leads the betting at 1.97, but the striker has not found the net in four games. Eden Hazard could be a better bet at [2.65], with the attacking midfielder having bagged a brace against Manchester City in midweek.

For Bournemouth, both Benik Afobe and Josh King found the net against Liverpool and the in-form duo are both available at 4.50.

Recommended Bets

Back the draw in the Bournemouth +1 market at 3.60
Back the draw half-time/Chelsea full-time at 4.90
Back both Bournemouth and Chelsea to score at 1.93