Chelsea vs Bournemouth: Probable lineups, team news, and prediction

Chelsea are on the brink of securing European football as they prepare to host Bournemouth on the final day of the Premier League season. The Blues, under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino, have hit their stride at the perfect time, stringing together four consecutive victories that have catapulted them up the table and into contention for a coveted spot in Europe.

The West London club's late-season resurgence has put them in the driver's seat for European qualification. Currently occupying sixth place in the Premier League standings, a solitary point against the Cherries would guarantee Chelsea a berth in the Europa League.

However, if their London rivals Tottenham Hotspur stumble against Sheffield United, the Blues could leapfrog them into fifth place. With Newcastle and Manchester United breathing down their necks, just three points behind, Chelsea's destiny is firmly in their own hands.

Bournemouth, meanwhile, have enjoyed a remarkable campaign and are aiming to cap it off with a top-half finish. Level on points with Brighton in tenth place, the Cherries will be determined to end their season on a high note. Bournemouth's attacking brand of football has made them a formidable opponent throughout the season, and their visit to Stamford Bridge promises to be an entertaining affair.

Match details

Date: Sunday, May 19, 2024
Kick-off Time: 4pm BST
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
TV Channel: Sky Sports Arena
Live Stream: Available on Sky Go for subscribers

Team news

Chelsea will be without the services of Reece James, who is suspended following his red card against Brighton. Veteran defender Thiago Silva is expected to start in what will be his swansong appearance for the club.

Ben Chilwell and Christopher Nkunku have recently returned to fitness and are likely to feature, but Mykhailo Mudryk is ruled out due to concussion protocols after sustaining a head injury against Brighton.

Bournemouth welcome back Milos Kerkez from suspension, while Tyler Adams is available after an injury-hit season. Dominic Solanke, who is one goal shy of reaching the 20-goal mark in the Premier League, will be eager to find the back of the net against his former club.

Chelsea vs Bournemouth: Predicted lineups

Chelsea's possible starting lineup: Petrovic, Gusto, Silva, Badiashile, Cucurella, Caicedo, Gallagher, Madueke, Palmer, Nkunku, Jackson.

Bournemouth's possible lineup: Travers, Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kelly, Christie, Cook, Semenyo, Kluivert, Ouattara, Solanke.

Chelsea are the favourites to extend their winning streak to five games, with their best football of the season coinciding with the return of key players. Bournemouth's attacking approach should make for an exciting match, but the Blues are predicted to emerge victorious with a 3-1 scoreline.

In their Premier League head-to-head record, Chelsea have won 13 times, drawn twice, and lost five times to Bournemouth. The Cherries have managed three wins at Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea will be determined to secure a crucial victory on the final day.

As the curtain falls on the 2023/24 season, Chelsea's clash with Bournemouth is set to be a thrilling encounter with significant implications for European qualification. With both teams eager to end their campaigns on a high, fans can expect an entertaining and competitive game at Stamford Bridge. The stage is set for a final day showdown that will determine the fate of Chelsea's European aspirations.