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Chelsea star Cole Palmer | Getty Images
The latest Chelsea team news and predicted XI ahead of their Premier League clash vs Bournemouth
Chelsea were beaten 3-1 away by Leeds United at Elland Road on Wednesday night, in a brutal blow to their hopes of challenging for their first Premier League title since 2017. Pedro Neto got their only goal against the Whites in West Yorkshire to peg back the hosts who went into half-time with a two goal lead. However, the London club ultimately slumped to a disappointing defeat and will be eager to bounce back as soon as possible.
Enzo Maresca’s side remain in the top four along with Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa after 14 fixtures. They are one point above Crystal Palace and Sunderland in 4th and 5th position respectively ahead of their upcoming match against AFC Bournemouth. This is how the Blues could line up for their clash against the Cherries...
Chelsea predicted line-up vs AFC Bournemouth - goalkeeper and defence
GK: Robert Sanchez: The 28-year-old has played every league game for Chelsea this season. He has kept seven clean sheets so far and will be eyeing more over the winter period. His distribution once again came into question as the Blues slipped up against Leeds, with the former Brighton stopper looking far from assured with the ball at his feet. Filip Jorgensen provides back-up from the bench.
RB: Malo Gusto: He came on during the game against Leeds and should get the nod against Bournemouth. The right-back likes to get up and down the right flank of defence and can also slot into midfield, much like Blues skipper Reece James. He is a France international with eight caps to his name.
CB: Tosin Adarabioyo: The former Manchester City and Fulham man made an absolute howler last time out, with a mistake that led to his side conceding their third goal. He will be hoping to put his blunder behind him as soon as possible. The centre-back has made nine outings in the league in this campaign, and has largely been a reliable operator at the back for the Blues.
CB: Trevoh Chalobah: He has become a regular for the Blues at the heart of defence over recent times. The defender was loaned out to Crystal Palace last term. He returned just over 12 months ago to Stamford Bridge and hasn’t looked back since, despite reports that he was eager to make a swift exit from his boyhood club to secure regular first team football.
LB: Marc Cucurella: Like Gusto, the left-back tends to get involved in attacks. The ex-Brighton and Hove Albion man is an important member of Maresca’s starting XI. He has been on the books of his current club since joining them in 2022, and has improved vastly since he initially joined the club, showcasing a relentless stamina and ability to be in exactly the right place at the right time.
Chelsea predicted line-up vs AFC Bournemouth - midfield and attack
CM: Enzo Fernandez: Chelsea landed him back in 2023 to bolster their options in the middle of the park. He left Benfica to take on a new challenge in England. The Argentina international has played 135 matches to date, finding the net on 21 occasions. The club’s record signing is starting to pay off the whopping fee the Blues invested in him.
CM: Andrey Santos: He may play again for the Blues after his appearance against Leeds. Moises Caicedo is still suspended for two more games after getting sent off against Arsenal. Meanwhile, there are question marks over Reece James’ fitness.
RW: Estevao: Although still raw, the winger has been enjoying his run in the team. He has bags of potential and will only get better over the coming months. He cuts in on his left foot from the right, making him a formidable opponent who will always keep defenders guessing his next move.
CAM:Cole Palmer: Chelsea welcomed him back against Leeds following his injury and he came on as a substitute in the second half. The attacking midfielder is now pushing for a start against Bournemouth. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him thrown straight into the mix, as he’s currently wearing a custom-made boot to protect a fractured toe.
LW: Alejandro Garnacho: He looked bright when he was brought on at Elland Road. The attacker was positive and did his best to create chances. Maresca may start him in place of Jamie Gittens to freshen things up, as the Argentina international looks to put an underwhelming career at Man United behind him and impress ahead of Argentina’s World Cup appearance this summer.
ST: Joao Pedro: Liam Delap struggled to get into the game against Leeds and is still getting to grips with life at Chelsea. Maresca may opt for Joao Pedro instead against the Cherries. The Brazilian gives the Blues something different up top and is more technical than Delap, who often serves the role of battering ram.
Chelsea predicted line-up vs AFC Bournemouth in full: Sanchez; Gusto, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Cucurella; Fernandez, Santos; Estevao, Palmer, Garnacho, Pedro.
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