Chelsea will be looking to get back into a run of form as they welcome Bournemouth to Stamford Bridge with a place in the last 4 of the Carabao Cup at stake. The Blues are 14 points off the pace in the Premier League so need to prioritise cup competitions for the time being whilst Bournemouth have never won the League Cup and would see this as an ideal opportunity to get a trophy in the cabinet.
Carabao Cup – Stamford Bridge – Wednesday 20th December 2017 – 19:45 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 9/2 at Unibet |
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Chelsea
AFC BournemouthChelsea
The Blues have now dropped 16 points this season from 17 games this term – an alarming statistic for Antonio Conte’s men in the Premier League. Chelsea defeated Everton & Nottingham Forest in qualifying for the last 8 of the competition – both in comfortable home wins. Michy Batshuayi has struggled to hold down a starting position in the Premier League but the Belgian has scored 7 goals – at an average of a goal every 73 minutes.
Bournemouth
The Cherries have been in great form in recent weeks – climbing clear of the relegation picture for now and residing in 14th position. With 16 points registered from their 17 games played, Eddie Howe’s men have started to show the sort of form that’s kept them in the Premier League for the last two seasons.
Middlesbrough, Brighton & Birmingham have been beaten in a strong run to the last 8 and the Cherries have been in fine form in the Carabao Cup this season. Jermain Defoe bagged a brace against Crystal Palace last weekend and the former England man has started to repay the faith shown in him by Eddie Howe.
Head to Head
Chelsea hold the superior head to head record over the Cherries with an 8:2 lead in the head to head showdown with no games ending as draws historically. Chelsea won 1-0 at the Vitality Stadium back in October thanks to Eden Hazard whilst Bournemouth registered their only ever win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge back in 2015 thanks to a Glenn Murray winner.
Odds and Predictions
Bournemouth have only failed to score in 2 of their last 7 matches whilst Chelsea have scored 31 league goals this season.
Over 2.5 goals in the game looks a strong bet at 4/7 with Coral.
Michy Batsuhayi looks set to be given a start in the Carabao Cup and has scored 3 goals in the competition already.
Michy Batsuhayi to score anytime looks a wise move at 11/12 with Uni Bet.
Bournemouth may find Chelsea a little overwhelming away from home and could be concentrating on ensuring Premier League survival.
Chelsea to win the game is the banker bet at 1/3 with Stan James.
Bournemouth will look to frustrate Chelsea for as long as possible but the hosts’ possession football could eventually take its toll.
The match to be a draw at half time and Chelsea to be winning at full time is great value at 17/5 with Ladbrokes.
Score Prediction
Chelsea 3 – 1 Bournemouth – 10/1 with Ladbrokes.
Top Betting Tip
A cup semi-final would boost morale at Stamford Bridge with a tough Champions League tie against Barcelona and a 14-point deficit to overcome in the Premier League. Chelsea to win the game and both teams to score is a shrewd move at 19/10 with Bet Victor.