'Dangerous': Paul Merson predicts the score for Chelsea vs Bournemouth on Sunday
Paul Merson has made his final set of predictions for this Premier League season, which includes Chelsea’s match at home to Bournemouth.
Chelsea host Bournemouth this Sunday on the final day of the 2023/24 season.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side go into the weekend sixth in the division table after putting together an impressive four-game winning streak, so they’re looking to get over the line and qualify for Europe.
If the Blues avoid defeat versus Bournemouth, they’re guaranteed either the Europa League or the Europa Conference League next season, which competition will depend on results elsewhere.
Chelsea enter the Europa League by finishing fifth or sixth, provided Manchester United don’t beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final. In that case, sixth-placed would go to the Europa Conference League.
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Paul Merson predicts Chelsea vs Bournemouth
Paul Merson has made his score prediction for Chelsea against Bournemouth.
He’s described Bournemouth as a “dangerous” side to face, but he’s tipping the Blues to end the season in style with a fifth straight victory.
“Chelsea have come from nowhere to be in with a chance of making it into the Europa League next season. As I said a few weeks ago, I don’t want recent results to paper over their cracks. I still hope they evaluate their squad at the end of the season and buy a few experienced players to help them grow as a unit next season,” Merson told Sportskeeda.
“They aren’t a million miles off the pace and should be in contention for a place in the top six/top four next season, but I doubt they will get anywhere close to the title. Bournemouth are a dangerous team and will look to have a go, but Chelsea are in good form and should have enough quality to see this one off.
“Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Bournemouth.”
Head to head
There’s not a great lot to split the sides when you look at the recent meetings between Chelsea and Bournemouth, which included a goalless draw earlier in the season.
Here below are the previous five meetings between the clubs in the Premier League:
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea (17 Sep 2023)
- Bournemouth 1-3 Chelsea (6 May 2023)
- Chelsea 2-0 Bournemouth (27 Dec 2022)
- Bournemouth 2-2 Chelsea (29 Feb 2020)
- Chelsea 0-1 Bournemouth (14 Dec 2019)
Pochettino and Andoni Iraola, the two managers in the dugout, have only ever come up against each other as coaches once before in this season’s league match. So, can one of them gain the upper hand on Sunday?
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