Bournemouth 0 - 0 FT Chelsea

Fofana's defensive mastery and Bournemouth's compact shape strangled Chelsea's final third. Nine combined goalkeeper saves and poor conversion rates neutralized the Blues' 60% possession advantage.

Chelsea's title chase stalls; Bournemouth gains ground in their survival bid. Both leave disappointed but the point shifts their respective narratives.

Absolutely. This is the kind of fixture where Chelsea's attacking prowess meets Bournemouth's defensive resolve—two contrasting philosophies colliding. With world-class talent on one side and gritty resilience on the other, expect chances at both ends and genuine jeopardy despite the odds.

Chelsea enter as clear favorites and should prevail, but this won't be a stroll. Bournemouth's recent win and defensive shape suggest they'll keep it competitive through 70 minutes. Expect Chelsea to edge a 2-1 scoreline—the kind of result that feels earned, not handed over.

Chelsea sit third with 23 points from 12 games (7 wins, 2 draws, 3 losses), boasting a +12 goal difference. Bournemouth occupy ninth with 19 points from 13 games (5 wins, 4 draws, 4 losses), sitting on -2 goal difference. A six-point gap separates them, but context matters: Bournemouth have played one more match and remain firmly in mid-table contention.

Bournemouth's form reads LDLLW—a mixed run that includes three consecutive defeats before bouncing back with a crucial win. That resilience is encouraging; it suggests they won't roll over against Chelsea. However, the losses reveal vulnerability against higher-intensity opponents, which Chelsea will exploit.

Pedro Neto (Chelsea) is the standout performer in this fixture. Over his last five matches, he's recorded 3 goals and 2 assists while maintaining a 7.5 average rating. His ability to unlock defenses on the wing makes him the most dangerous creative outlet on the pitch—Bournemouth's fullbacks will have their hands full containing his runs and crosses.