Chelsea host Bournemouth on the final matchday of 2025. Both teams recovering from losses have a lot to play for. Chelsea chasing European football whereas Bournemouth fight to stay out of a relegation battle.
Chelsea have been plagued by poor performances in December. The Blues have only managed to win one game out of five over the festive period. Getting a result at home versus Everton, winning by two goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.
They could only get a draw against Newcastle in December also. Also, the London club travelled south to Bournemouth earlier in the month where they played out a 0-0 draw. This game coming so closely afterwards you have to think the result could be similar.
The two losses in the month came from newly promoted Leeds United as well and last time out against Aston Villa. The Villa loss partially stinging as the Blues were up in the game. Also, losing that game has meant that Chelsea have fallen out of the top four spots.
The Cherries have had a rotten period over recent weeks, last winning a Premier League game all the way back in October, a 2-0 win at home against Nottingham Forest. Since then the seaside team has failed to win in nine Premier League games.
Bournemouth lost five of these and drew the other four. The only shining results amongst these games was the previously mentioned goalless draw against Chelsea, as well as thrilling 4-4 tie against Manchester United.
Andoni Iraola's side now find themselves likely to lose their star player Antoine Semenyo. A result against Chelsea in what could be Semenyo's final game is vital for Bournemouth if they wish to push up the table in the second half of the season.
As mentioned the two clubs played one another not long ago at the Vitality Stadium in a 0-0 draw. The game played previously between the two clubs was also a draw back in January. English stars Cole Palmer and Reece James scored for Chelsea in that match but were matched by Semenyo and Justin Kluivert.
Chelsea had won the the previous two fixtures between the clubs. The last time Chelsea were beaten by Bournemouth was all the way back in 2019. Dan Gosling scored in the 84th minute for Bournemouth to win the game.
Both sides are have something to fight for. Chelsea need a win if they want to keep the pressure on Liverpool in the race for Champions League football. Another loss for Bournemouth on the other hand would put them in great danger as they fall down the table. It will certainly be a spectacle for fans to finish a 2025 that has seen Bournemouth and Chelsea reach massive highs and dangerous lows.
