As the Premier League heats up in December 2025, all eyes turn to the Vitality Stadium for an intriguing clash between Bournemouth and Chelsea on Saturday, December 6. With both teams nursing midweek defeats, this fixture promises drama, redemption, and high stakes. Bournemouth, under Andoni Iraola, are desperate to halt a slide that’s seen them tumble from second to 14th in the table, while Chelsea aim to reignite their title aspirations after a shocking loss to Leeds. In this comprehensive Bournemouth vs Chelsea match preview, we’ll dive into predicted lineups and score predictions to help you gear up for kick-off at 3:00 PM GMT.
Bournemouth vs Chelsea Match Preview
The Premier League’s mid-December schedule is unforgiving, and this matchup underscores the fine margins at play. Bournemouth sit 14th with 19 points from 14 games, just five points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea on 24 points. The Cherries have been a revelation at home, unbeaten at the Vitality Stadium until a narrow 1-0 loss to Everton on Tuesday, but their recent form—winless in five league outings—has sparked concerns over Iraola’s future, despite links to bigger clubs.
Chelsea, managed by Enzo Maresca, entered the month as title dark horses after a gritty 1-1 draw with leaders Arsenal. But a 3-1 humbling at Leeds exposed vulnerabilities, widening the gap to the top to nine points. The Blues boast the division’s best away attack (15 goals in seven road games) and remain unbeaten in their last four visits to Bournemouth (W2 D2). A win here could propel them back into the top-three conversation before a grueling festive run, including a Champions League trip to Atalanta.
Predicted Lineups
Based on recent form, injuries, and tactical tweaks, here’s how the teams might shape up in a 4-2-3-1 for both sides. These Bournemouth vs Chelsea predicted lineups emphasize Bournemouth’s counter-threat and Chelsea’s possession dominance.
Bournemouth Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Petrovic (GK) – Smith, Diakite, Senesi, Truffert – Scott, Tavernier – Brooks, Kluivert, Semenyo – Evanilson
Chelsea Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez (GK) – Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella – James, Fernandez – Neto, Palmer, Garnacho – Joao Pedro
Score Predictions
Predicting a Premier League clash this tight is no easy task, but data points to a narrow Chelsea victory. With both teams leaky at the back (Bournemouth conceding in five straight, Chelsea winless in their last two Saturday 3 PM kick-offs), BTTS looks likely—60% of Bournemouth’s last five and 57% of Chelsea’s aways have seen it.
Our Bold Prediction: Bournemouth 1-2 Chelsea
Bournemouth
Chelsea F.C.
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