Pundits disagree on Frank Lampard's call for the Bournemouth vs. Chelsea matchup.
News about Chelsea: The Blues play Bournemouth on Saturday in search of their first victory in nine games.
Few believed Chelsea's already miserable season would become any worse when Mason Mount and Kai Havertz scored in a 2-0 victory over Bournemouth. Chelsea had lost four straight games and four of their previous five games under Graham Potter.
After a challenging stretch coming up to the lengthy international break, Potter showed indications of improvement in that game, which was played on December 27. Except for a Reece James injury, everything was going well. Chelsea has only achieved four victories in the 23 games since that time.
They have accrued 15 points out of a possible 54 over that time, but their decline in the Premier League standings hasn't slowed down. Compared to December, when they were six positions and eight points behind their hosts, they are now equal on points.
The only thing keeping Frank Lampard's team ahead of Gary O'Neil's is goal difference, and a -7 record after 33 games is nothing to write home about. The Cherries have battled to finish above a side that was the reigning global and European champions when they were promoted to the top tier once more this time last year after being written off and labeled as certainties for relegation.
Due to this plus the Blues' overall recent struggles and deterioration, Bournemouth are considerably closer to being considered favorites than would be imagined. Although the oddsmakers disagree, it is simple to understand why many would predict that the home team had a better chance of winning.
Another among them is Paul Merson. The former Arsenal player penned the following in his SportsKeeda predictions column: "You know what? Although it may sound strange, I don't think Chelsea will win this match. Why Chelsea, I can't believe I'm saying this, why Chelsea? Bournemouth would surpass Chelsea if they won. It's incredible what's happened at Chelsea, and I've personally never seen anything like it.
"The current climate is not favorable for Frank Lampard, and there have been allegations that it could have a long-term negative impact on his career, but people will realize it's not just about Frank," After his time at the club is over, everything will rely on the types of positions that become available for Frank because Chelsea has other significant problems.
Merson projects Bournemouth to defeat Chelsea 2-1.
He is not the only one who does not anticipate Lampard earning his first victory since taking over again. Chris Sutton predicts that it will be again another trying afternoon. For Chelsea manager Frank Lampard, who has lost every game since being named interim manager, Tuesday's defeat against Arsenal made it "six of the worst," he wrote for BBC.
"The players must bear some of the blame, but Lampard has not fared well. At Emirates Stadium, he thought his team performed better in the second half, but at that point, the match was done, and Chelsea simply wants the season to conclude.
They face Bournemouth, a well-organized club with several players who have significantly improved their reputation over the previous few months, so things won't get any easier for them.
"Dominic Solanke, for instance, scored 29 goals in the Championship last season and has since proven he had all the qualities necessary to succeed in the Premier League as well. Although he has always had adequate speed, the manner he currently holds the ball up and connects with teammates while leading the line is first-rate.
So, even though I don't think Frank will win for the first time, I do see him earning a point. The caliber and experience of the players Chelsea has, rather than their recent performances, are more important factors in that projection. They couldn't possibly lose seven in a row, can they?
Sutton's forecast: Chelsea tie Bournemouth 1-1.
