Club World Cup Champions, Chelsea seek redemption against Bournemouth when both teams clash at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, Softfootball reports.
In midweek, Chelsea lost 3-1 to Leeds United while the Cherries suffer a humiliating 1-0 defeat at home against Everton during the match-day 14 of the premier league.
Bournemouth expressed their readiness for the clash via their official X handle. They posted:
Back at Vitality Stadium this weekend 🏠 pic.twitter.com/R48V3FwFEz
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) December 4, 2025Star Player
Bournemouth goalkeeper, Đorđe Petrović, who likes leading by actions is the key player heading into the Chelsea match. Interestingly, he moved to the Vitality stadium from Stamford Bridge and familiar with his opponents which could be an advantage for him.
Despite just returning from injury, Cole Palmer is the star of the Chelsea side. The England international had a cameo against Leeds United and almost scored late in the second half. That is the threat he gives to the Blues.
Team News
Bournemouth’s Ryan Christie and Ben Gannon Doak are out with knee and hamstring injuries respectively, while Lewis Cook and Tyler Adams are suspended.
Marcos Senesi and David Brooks are both available to return from one-match suspensions. The absence of Cook and Adams could see Marcus Tavernier deputise in a deeper midfield role alongside Alex Scott, while Evanilson may be recalled to replace Eli Junior Kroupi as the central striker.
For Chelsea, Caicedo will serve the second of a three-match suspension this weekend, while Levi Colwill (knee), Romeo Lavia, Dario Essugo (both thigh) and Mykhaylo Mudryk (suspended) are also unavailable for selection.
Palmer is back after missing 14 games in all competitions through injury and featured as a second half substitute against Leeds United on Wednesday.
Liam Delap drop out of the starting lineup and Joao Pedro pushed into the centre-forward position, while Enzo Fernandez will likely continue in a deeper midfield role and could play alongside captain Reece James, who was rested in midweek.
Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho are both in contention to earn recalls out wide at the expense of Estevao and Jamie Gittens, while Malo Gusto is expected to return at right-back and Trevoh Chalobah start in his referred centerbaqck position and potentially play alongside Wesley Fofana.
Bournemouth Probable XI
Petrovic; Jimenez, Diakite, Senesi, Truffert; Scott, Tavernier; Brooks, Kluivert, Semenyo; Evanilson
Chelsea Probable XI
Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; James, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro
Softfootball Prediction
Bournemouth are desperate for a win as they have failed to pick three points in their last five matches and would want to avoid back-to-back home defeats when they host Chelsea on Saturday. Bournemouth 1-2 Chelsea.
