Even coming out of what was already a bleak winter for Chelsea - on a run of four losses in a row and four of their last five under Graham Potter, when Mason Mount and Kai Havertz netted in a 2-0 win over Bournemouth very few thought things would get worse.
That game, played on December 27, was the first after the World Cup and bore signs of improvement for Potter after a tricky spell leading up to the prolonged international break. Other than a Reece James injury things were looking up. Since then, in the 23 games played, Chelsea have won just four.
In that time they've picked up 15 points from a possible 54 and have only continued to sink in the Premier League table. The gap to their hosts was six places and eight points in December, it is now one place and the points are tied.
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Only goal difference, of which a -7 standing after 33 games is nothing to shout about, is keeping Frank Lampard's side ahead of Gary O'Neil's. The Cherries have been written off, cast as certainties for relegation, made a comeback and are now battling to finish above a team that were reigning world and European champions when they were promoted to the top division once more this time last year.
It's for that reason and the general continuing malaise and decline of the Blues in recent months that sees Bournemouth much closer to being favourites than they would be expected. Although the bookmakers don't agree, it's easy to see why many would tip the home side as more likely to win.
Paul Merson is one of them. Writing in his SportsKeeda predictions column, the former Arsenal star said: "You know what? It sounds a bit weird but I can't see Chelsea winning this game. I can't believe I'm saying this, but how can you pick Chelsea? If Bournemouth win, they go above Chelsea. What's happened at Chelsea is extraordinary and I've personally never seen anything like it.
"The current environment is not good for Frank Lampard and there have been claims that it might affect his career in the long-term, but people will know it's not all about Frank. Chelsea have other deep-rooted issues and once his stint at the club is done, it all depends on the kind of jobs that become available for Frank."
Merson's prediction: Bournemouth 2-1 Chelsea
He isn't the only one that fails to see Lampard getting his first win back in charge, either. Chris Sutton also sees it being another frustrating afternoon. "Tuesday's defeat at Arsenal made it 'six of the worst' for Chelsea boss Frank Lampard, who has lost all of his games since being appointed caretaker manager," he wrote for BBC.
"The players have to take some responsibility but nothing has gone right for Lampard. He felt his side were better in the second half at Emirates Stadium, but the game was over by then - and now Chelsea just want the season to end.
"Things won't get any easier for them against Bournemouth, who are a well-organised team containing several individuals who have really enhanced their reputation over the past few months.
"For example, Dominic Solanke got 29 goals in the Championship last season and now he has shown he has got all the attributes he needs to thrive in the Premier League too. He always had decent pace but he leads the line so well now, holding the ball up and linking up with others - he has been first class.
"So, I don't think Frank will get his first win, but I can see him picking up a point. That prediction is based more on the level and experience of the players Chelsea have got, rather than their recent performances. They surely cannot lose seven in a row... or can they?"
Sutton's prediction: Bournemouth 1-1 Chelsea
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