Chelsea FC vs. AFC Bournemouth: Preview, Lineups, and Match Analysis

Match Preview

Chelsea FC will host AFC Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, August 26th, in the opening match of the 2023-24 Premier League season. Chelsea are looking to bounce back from a disappointing campaign last year, while Bournemouth will be aiming to make a strong impression in their return to the top flight.

Team News

Chelsea

Starting lineup (4-3-3):

• Goalkeeper: Kepa Arrizabalaga
• Defenders: Reece James, Thiago Silva, Kalidou Koulibaly, Marc Cucurella
• Midfielders: Jorginho, Mateo Kovačić, Mason Mount
• Forwards: Raheem Sterling, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Kai Havertz

Bournemouth

Starting lineup (4-4-2):

• Goalkeeper: Mark Travers
• Defenders: Jack Stacey, Chris Mepham, Marcos Senesi, Jordan Zemura
• Midfielders: Ryan Christie, Jefferson Lerma, Ben Pearson, Philip Billing
• Forwards: Dominic Solanke, Kieffer Moore

Tactical Analysis

Chelsea are expected to dominate possession and create more chances in this match. Manager Thomas Tuchel is likely to deploy a high-pressing style to force Bournemouth into mistakes. Bournemouth, on the other hand, will likely try to soak up pressure and hit Chelsea on the counterattack.

Key Players

Chelsea

• Raheem Sterling: The England international is Chelsea's biggest threat in attack. He is a pacey and skilful winger who can score goals from all angles.
• Thiago Silva: The Brazilian defender is a rock at the back for Chelsea. He is an experienced leader who can organize the defense and win aerial duels.
• Mason Mount: The England midfielder is a creative force for Chelsea. He can create chances for others and score goals from midfield.

Bournemouth

• Dominic Solanke: The England striker is Bournemouth's main goal threat. He is a powerful and clinical finisher who can score different types of goals.
• Jefferson Lerma: The Colombian midfielder is Bournemouth's engine room. He is a tough tackler who can also distribute the ball well.
• Ryan Christie: The Scotland midfielder is a creative playmaker for Bournemouth. He can create chances for others and score goals from outside the box.

Predicted Outcome

Chelsea are the clear favorites to win this match. They have a more experienced and talented squad than Bournemouth. However, Bournemouth will be looking to make a statement in their return to the Premier League. The match is likely to be close and competitive, but Chelsea should come out on top in the end.

Historical Data

Chelsea and Bournemouth have met 10 times in the Premier League, with Chelsea winning six and Bournemouth winning two. The teams drew twice.

Chelsea's biggest win over Bournemouth was a 5-0 victory in 2019. Bournemouth's biggest win over Chelsea was a 3-0 victory in 2018.

Head-to-Head Record

Conclusion

Chelsea vs. Bournemouth is an intriguing matchup to open the 2023-24 Premier League season. Chelsea are the favorites to win, but Bournemouth will be looking to cause an upset. The match is sure to provide plenty of excitement and drama.

Additional Information

TV Coverage: Sky Sports (UK), NBC Sports (US)
Kickoff Time: 12:30 PM BST (7:30 AM EDT)
Odds: Chelsea 2/5, Draw 14/5, Bournemouth 11/2