The latest Chelsea team news, injury list and predicted XI ahead of their Premier League clash with Bournemouth
Chelsea are back in Premier League action this weekend, after an extended three-week international break that saw an impressive England side win three out of their four opening Nations League matches. With the Blues’ full contingent of international stars now back at the club, their full focus will now be on pushing up the table after a mixed start to the season.
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As things stand, the Blues lie 10th in the table. While they’ve been excellent going forward with Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer linking up with aplomb, the defending has been woeful at times, costing Xabi Alonso’s side precious points. Chelsea are without a win in their last three games, and know that a victory against the Cherries on Saturday is essential.
Heading into the fixture, Alonso has some injury concerns to deal with. Pedro remains a doubt after missing Brazil’s international break with a knee problem, while Jamie Gittens is nursing an ankle injury. However, there’s plenty of positive news, with Moises Caicedo, Reece James, Marco Palestra and Cole Palmer all hopeful of featuring post-injury.
As Chelsea prepare to face a side they’ve not lost to since 2019, we’ve got the most likely starting XI Alonso will field as he looks to welcome back some key players to the matchday squad.
Chelsea predicted line-up vs Bournemouth: goalkeeper and defence
Maxence Lacroix has been one of Chelsea's better performing defenders so far this seasonplaceholder image
Maxence Lacroix has been one of Chelsea's better performing defenders so far this season | Getty Images
By and large, Alonso has stuck with a 3-4-2-1 formation during the early stages of his Stamford Bridge reign, and we expect him to retain it for the Cherries’ visit this weekend. Between the sticks, expect to see the desperately needed summer signing Emi Martinez, who’s established himself as the undisputed number one ahead of Mike Penders.
Maxence Lacroix enjoyed an impressive international break with France, and he’s been one of the first names on the team sheet since his arrival from Crystal Palace back in July. He’ll start alongside ball-playing defender Levi Colwill, with Wesley Fofana likely to complete the back three, edging in ahead of England U21 international Josh Acheampong.
Alonso has been keen to exercise caution in bringing players back from injury, so a start for Palestra or James seem unlikely. We expect to see Pedro Neto in the right wing-back position. On the left, Jorrel Hato will continue his impressive transition into a wing-back, making the starting XI ahead of Pep Chavarria.
Will Cole Palmer play against Bournemouth?
Cole Palmer looks set to return to action this weekendplaceholder image
Cole Palmer looks set to return to action this weekend | Getty Images
In midfield, Alonso may also opt to introduce Caicedo back into the side gradually, following his struggles with injury. A start seems highly unlikely, but there is a chance he could make the bench. £53m man Romeo Lavia looks set to start in midfield, and could be paired with Jordan Henderson as the Blues look to also bring James back into the fold slowly following his latest hamstring problem.
Palmer is set to start against Bournemouth, after getting plenty rest and recovery time during the international break. Whether this comes at the expense of his England career remains to be seen. He’ll be paired with £117m summer signing Morgan Rogers, who has excelled since joining the Blues from Aston Villa.
Pedro looks set for a couple more weeks on the sidelines, and may not return for Chelsea until the end of the month. In his absence, veteran striker Danny Welbeck looks set to lead the line. There is a chance that fellow striker Emmanuel Emegha could get some minutes and make his Blues debut, after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Chelsea predicted line-up vs Bournemouth: Martinez; Fofana, Colwill, Lacroix; Neto, Lavia, Henderson, Hato; Rogers, Palmer; Welbeck.
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