Chelsea vs Bournemouth prediction: ENGLAND: Premier League betting tips on match 2024-05-18 15:00.
[p]The final day of Premier League action promises to be a thriller as far as Chelsea are concerned, as after what had been a dismal season in which they teetered around mid-table, they now have the opportunity to seal a return to the European stage. Simply avoiding defeat will secure a place in next season’s UEFA Europa Conference League, although a win would give them a slim chance of moving up to fifth and guarantee qualification for the UEFA Europa League group stage – something they could still achieve in sixth if Manchester City win the FA Cup final. [/p]
[p]Ending the campaign here at Stamford Bridge should be a positive as Chelsea head into this clash on the back of four straight home league wins, their joint strongest such run since 2020. A visit from Bournemouth should be good news for boss Mauricio Pochettino, who has lost only once against this opposition (W6, D2, L1) and will hope to improve that record further as he awaits news on his own future at the club.[/p]
[p]Whilst Bournemouth have nothing to play for on the final day but pride and places, they’ll be happy that their worst case scenario finish of 13th-place is still an improvement on last year’s 15th, while most importantly, a third straight top-flight season has been secured. That ultimately helped Andoni Iraola clinch a contract extension until the 2025/26 season during the week, giving the Cherries a real boost ahead of a nerve-wracking summer.[/p]
[p]Many expect stars such as Lloyd Kelly and England hopeful Dominic Solanke to depart the club over the coming months, so it may well be an emotional rollercoaster despite the dead rubber nature of this game. Even if they are to leave, Bournemouth are not without a chance of sending their stars away on a high, as despite losing three of their last four away games, they were victorious in two of the last four away league H2Hs without reply.[/p]
[p]Players to watch: BenoĂ®t Badiashile has played an important role in defence across Chelsea’s recent purple patch, and his only Premier League goal to date came against Bournemouth. As for the Cherries, Solanke can secure only his second 20+ goal league season with one more strike here – each of his last four goals were team openers.  [/p]
[p]Hot stat: Bournemouth have failed to win half of their league games when scoring first this season (W10, D5, L5). [/p]