Chelsea vs Bournemouth: Premier League betting guide and tips

I love a lot of moneyline plays for games on Boxing Day proper (Brighton and Newcastle are both locks, you’re welcome), but there isn’t a ton of value in betting on the former European champions at -310 odds. It’s time to get to work folks, because we’re diving deep into the props for this clash. Keeping an eye on the spread probably wouldn’t be a horrible idea either.

The most difficult thing about gambling on this matchweek is that nobody knows how each team will perform coming out of the World Cup break. Many squads still aren’t complete with players returning late from the nations that advanced deep into the tournament. Others, Chelsea included, may have benefitted from the time off with key contributors healing from their long-term injuries. Reece James is finally available for selection after missing a few games with a knee problem sustained at the San Siro back in October.

I expect the long hiatus to bring about a little rust for both sides, at least in the first 45’ of the contest, so I’m liking under 1.5 first-half goals at -192 odds. Recent results would suggest low-scoring opening periods are becoming a trend for the Blues, as their past three matches have all gone into halftime scoreless.