There could be yet more changes as Chelsea look for a response when they face the Cherries at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
[Cole Palmer played for the first time in 74 days](/sport/football/chelsea-fc-player-ratings-leeds-tosin-estevao-fernandez-palmer-b1261014.html) as he came on as a 61st-minute substitute at Leeds but could be handed the initiative from the start at Bournemouth, as he works his way back up to full fitness and eventually being able to last a full 90 minutes.
There is a decision to make up front, where Maresca can choose from Liam Delap and the versatile Joao Pedro.
Tosin Adarabioyo made an individual error for one of the Leeds goal on Wednesday and could be taken out of the limelight at centre-back as a result.
**Chelsea predicted XI (4-2-3-1):** Sanchez; Cucurella, Fofana, Chalobah, Gusto; Fernandez, James; Garnacho, Palmer, Neto; Joao Pedro
**Injured:** Colwill, Lavia, Essugo
**Date and time:** 3pm GMT, Saturday December 6, 2025
**TV Channel:** Match not televised in the UK