Bournemouth prepare for a testing Chelsea vs Bournemouth Premier League meeting while uncertainty grows around Antoine Semenyo’s future. Reports suggest Manchester City are close to a £65m move for the
winger, who has nine league goals and three assists this season, leaving head coach Andoni Iraola planning for a possible departure during the January transfer window.
The Cherries arrive at Stamford Bridge after a 4-1 defeat to Brentford, which stretched their winless Premier League run to nine matches. Chelsea also seek a response, having lost 2-1 at home to Aston Villa, a result that continued a pattern of dropping points from leading positions under Enzo Maresca.
Iraola stressed that Semenyo remains central to Bournemouth’s attacking threat and dressing room balance, yet accepts decisions may be made above coaching level. "I have a clear position on it and I don’t want to lose him. If it happens, we still have to continue competing - we have no other choice," Iraola told reporters before the Chelsea fixture.
The head coach underlined Semenyo’s all-round influence on Bournemouth’s style of play. "[He is a] massive player for the club, [who] contributes goals and assists, gives the side energy and physicality, and is a very good character. " Those qualities, combined with this season’s numbers, help explain strong interest from several leading Premier League clubs.
Iraola confirmed Bournemouth are already exploring different options in case Semenyo moves in January. Asked about the club’s plans, Iraola said: "The club is working on things in case he leaves, but obviously it’s impossible to replace someone like him. It’s impossible, especially in the January market when nobody wants to lose good players. "
That challenge comes during a difficult spell on the pitch. Bournemouth have not won in the league since early November and were outplayed by Brentford in their latest outing. Iraola believes the response will define the group, insisting the squad must show resilience while possible transfer distractions remain in the background during a key month.
Chelsea vs Bournemouth Premier League reaction after heavy Brentford loss
Iraola called on Bournemouth’s players to own the Brentford setback and channel those emotions at Stamford Bridge. The coach urged them to "accept and take responsibility," while stressing that attitude after defeat can shape the following performance, especially against a Chelsea side that usually dominates the ball at home.
Detailing the mindset he wants, Iraola said: "It depends how you react. If you finish hungry and upset, you can use those feelings for the next game. It was a big loss on Saturday [against Brentford] but I hope we can use this hunger," before warning that Chelsea’s attacking variety demands better defensive discipline across the pitch.
Chelsea vs Bournemouth Premier League pressure on Maresca’s side
Chelsea controlled long spells against Aston Villa but again failed to convert superiority into points. Maresca’s team have now let 11 points slip from winning positions at Stamford Bridge this season. That trend, rather than the performance level, is Maresca’s main concern as the squad prepares for another home test against Bournemouth.
Maresca explained the need for better game management during difficult moments. "It’s just a matter of understanding the reason why," the Chelsea head coach said. "When something continues to happen, it’s not random. We need to understand why. No matter if we’re winning, drawing or losing, when we concede a goal we lose a little bit of control. We need to understand how to manage better when we concede goals. "
Chelsea vs Bournemouth Premier League players to watch
Attention may fall on Joao Pedro in Chelsea’s attack, given the forward’s strong record in final league games of a calendar year. Joao Pedro has been involved in five goals across the last two such fixtures, both for Brighton, scoring twice and assisting once against Spurs in 2023, then providing two assists versus Aston Villa in 2024.
Semenyo again carries Bournemouth’s main attacking hope if selected. The winger has already scored league goals at Anfield and Old Trafford this season. Another strike here would make Semenyo only the fourth player to net away at Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United in one Premier League campaign, after Kevin Nolan, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Robin van Persie.
Chelsea vs Bournemouth Premier League historical record and prediction
Chelsea’s recent home record against Bournemouth has improved after early struggles. Having lost three of the first five Premier League meetings at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea are now unbeaten in the last three home league games versus the Cherries, collecting two wins and one draw during that mini-run.
Bournemouth have also found victories hard to secure against Chelsea overall. They are winless in the last eight Premier League clashes between the clubs, drawing four and losing four. The past two encounters ended level, whereas only two of the first 15 league meetings were draws, hinting at a more balanced pattern in recent seasons.
This month’s schedule adds an extra note of interest. It is only the second occasion Chelsea have met the same league opponent twice in one month, after drawing both matches against Manchester United in December 1998. Bournemouth have scored eight Premier League goals at Stamford Bridge, all in second halves, despite 39 first-half shots across eight visits.
Historical data also shows Bournemouth often struggle in their last league match of a calendar year. The Cherries have won only one of the previous seven, drawing once and losing five, with their sole success a 3-0 victory over Cardiff City in December 2021. That record frames the task facing Iraola’s team as they chase a statement away result.
| Outcome | OPTA win probability |
|---|---|
| Chelsea | 58.1% |
| Draw | 21.8% |
| Bournemouth | 20.1% |
The OPTA model favours a Chelsea victory, giving Maresca’s side a 58.1% chance of winning, with a draw at 21.8% and Bournemouth’s prospects rated at 20.1%. With Semenyo’s future uncertain, Bournemouth seek a morale-boosting result, while Chelsea aim to turn territorial control into points and reduce costly lapses when defending leads.
