Match Overview

Chelsea welcome AFC Bournemouth to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night in the Premier League. The sides recently played out a 0-0 draw earlier in December, adding intrigue to this rematch. With points at a premium, Chelsea will look to use home advantage, while Bournemouth arrive having found the net regularly despite mixed results. Cool London conditions are expected, with a focused, competitive encounter likely.

• Fixture: Chelsea vs AFC Bournemouth
• Competition: Premier League
• Venue: Stamford Bridge
• Date: 30-12-2025
• Kickoff: 19:30 GMT / 19:30 UTC

Predicted Lineups

Chelsea

• Robert Sánchez
• Marc Cucurella
• T. Chalobah
• R. James
• M. Gusto
• M. Caicedo
• E. Fernández
• C. Palmer
• Andrey Santos
• João Pedro
• Pedro Neto

AFC Bournemouth

• D. Petrovic
• A. Truffert
• M. Senesi
• B. Diakité
• Álex Jiménez
• M. Tavernier
• A. Scott
• L. Cook
• A. Adli
• A. Semenyo
• Evanilson

Injury & Suspension Report

Chelsea

• L. Colwill – Knee Injury
• M. Mudryk – Suspended
• R. Lavia – Thigh Injury
• Dário Essugo – Thigh Injury

AFC Bournemouth

• A. Scott – Injury
• B. Doak – Hamstring Injury
• T. Adams – Knee Injury
• Veljko Milosavljević – Knee Injury
• M. Akinmboni – Muscle Injury

Head-to-Head

Chelsea and Bournemouth have played 19 times in all competitions, with Chelsea winning 11, Bournemouth four, and four draws. Across their recent seven meetings, games have averaged around two goals, underlining generally tight contests. The most recent clash earlier in December finished 0-0.

Match Analysis & Prediction

Chelsea outlook

Chelsea’s recent run shows two wins in five, with eight goals scored, pointing to an attack capable of creating chances but still seeking consistency. Their last home match, a 2-2 draw with Newcastle, reflected a familiar pattern: high tempo, turnovers, and end-to-end moments. Reece James remains an important outlet from right-back, while Cole Palmer’s link play and João Pedro’s movement provide a threat between the lines. Robert Sánchez’s composure in goal is significant for a side that can be stretched in transitions.

Bournemouth outlook

Bournemouth come in off a sequence of two defeats and three draws, yet they have scored nine in that period, showing they can trouble defenses. A. Semenyo found the net in a 1-1 draw with Burnley and sits on eight for the season, a key reference in attack. E. J. Kroupi has contributed four goals away from home, adding another potential source of end product. The Cherries list several injuries, including A. Scott, which could test midfield balance and depth.

Tactical themes and key players

Expect a contrast of approaches: Chelsea aim for controlled possession with quick switches to wide areas, while Bournemouth are comfortable being direct and exploiting space when it appears. Against comparable opponents, Chelsea’s matches have been open, averaging around 1.5 goals both for and against, indicating opportunities at both ends. James’s advanced positioning and overlaps may pin Bournemouth’s full-backs, while Semenyo’s runs and Evanilson’s presence can stress Chelsea in defensive transitions. Set-piece phases could be decisive given the tight H2H trend.

Prediction

With the recent 0-0 still fresh and both teams showing mixed form, another close contest is likely. Chelsea’s home edge is balanced by Bournemouth’s scoring form and ability to counter. Prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Bournemouth.