Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images
Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images
Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images
Photo by Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images
Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Upon news of Chelsea looking to extend his contract, Josh Acheampong will retain the backing of Alonso by being handed another Premier League start.
Maxence Lacroix enjoyed a promising set of Nations League fixtures with France, and will be back to command a defence that are in dire need of keeping the ball out of their own net.
On the left, Levi Colwill will retain his place, under fierce competition from Jorrel Hato following his excellent 2026 as a Chelsea player.
Despite Marco Palestra’s impending competitive Chelsea debut, we predict that Pedro Neto will retain his newfound position of right wing-back in Alonso’s side.
Doubts over James’ fitness will see them both miss out. Romeo Lavia will start though after some eye-catching displays for Belgium.
He will be partnered by Caicedo, who has had to wait patiently before making his first start in the league this season.
On the left, Pep Chavarria will retain his place after impressing in cameo appearances in his first few weeks as a Chelsea player.
The attack has so often been the saviour of the Blues this season, and a returning Cole Palmer will be a huge boost to their chances this weekend.
He will be joined in the frontline by best friend Morgan Rogers. He took his opportunity to impress Thomas Tuchel during the international break.
Up front, we are thinking that Joao Pedro is still not going to be ready to compete, meaning there will be another start up front for Danny Welbeck.
Predicted Chelsea XI vs Bournemouth (3-4-2-1): Martinez; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Lavia, Caicedo, Chavarria; Palmer, Rogers; Welbeck