Mark Lawrenson makes interesting scoreline prediction for Chelsea vs Bournemouth

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson has made his prediction for Chelsea's final Premier League game of the season against Bournemouth. The two teams look horns at Stamford Bridge on Sunday (May 19).

The Blues are in impressive form as the season draws to a close. Mauricio Pochettino's side saw off Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 away in midwek despite ending with a man short.

It was their fourth straight league win, keeping them in sixth place with 60 points from 37 games. The Blues need to avoid defeat on the final day to seal sixth place and a return to Europe.

Meanwhile, the Cherries are 11th with 48 points from 37 games but have lost their last two outings. If they better 10th-placed Brighton's result on the final day, Bournemouth will finish in the top half of the points table.

Ahead of the Blues' clash with the Cherries this weekend, Lawrenson has made a prediction for the game, foreseeing a narrow 2-1 win for Pochettino's side:

"Bournemouth have had a really good season overall, but as Chelsea are at home I’m backing them. It looks at long last that they’ve finally identified their best team. Chelsea 2-1 Bournemouth."

The Blues drew the reverse fixture goalless at the Cherries on matchday five in September.

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Chelsea vs Bournemouth: A few tidbits

Chelsea tactician Mauricio Pochettino

Chelsea are producing an impressive end to the season, especially considering their slow start after an expensive overhaul. They won't have too many happy memories of their last league meeting with the Cherries, though, which ended in a stalemate.

In fact, Iraola's side have beaten the Blues four times in the Premier League, with three of them coming at Stamford Bridge, the venue of their latest clash. However, Pochettino's side are unbeaten in four league games against the Cherries as they eye a fifth-placed finish.

The Blues are looking to win five consecutive league games for the first time since March 2022 under former boss Thomas Tuchel. Another goal for the excellent Cole Palmer will break a tie with Blues legends Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard (16) for the most home league goals in a season by a Chelsea player.