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Predicted Chelsea XI vs Bournemouth as crucial Joao Pedro decision made

Joao Pedro

Joao Pedro is set to return to the Chelsea side against Bournemouth(Image: Mike Hewitt)

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Xabi Alonso delivered the news every Chelsea supporter wanted to hear on Friday afternoon.

Bar Jamie Gittens, who is set for a few weeks on the sidelines after hurting his ankle on England Under-21 duty recently, it was a full house in terms of the injured players for the Blues.

The likes of Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, Reece James and Marco Palestra were all declared fit to take part in this afternoon's Premier League fixture against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.

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Caicedo, Palmer, Joao Pedro - Chelsea injury latest and return dates ahead of Bournemouth match

And, with that being said, football.london takes a look at how Alonso might set up his side in what feels like a must-win for Chelsea, who are without a victory in their last three top-flight outings.

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Emiliano Martinez

Even though the Argentine goalkeeper only had one session following international duty, it seems pretty certain that he will start in between the posts at Stamford Bridge. Mike Penders is likely to keep his place on the bench.

Wesley Fofana

There is a world where Alonso opts with Josh Acheampong in this one given Fofana has not been in brilliant form recently. However, the latter has been in training these last few weeks while the former has been on international duty.

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Maxence Lacroix

There's not too much doubt about Lacroix coming back in. If Alonso goes with a back three, which is not certain given he has chopped and changed his team's shape in the early part of the campaign, then the France international is likely to be in the centre.

Maxence Lacroix in action during Chelsea's win over Luton Town

Maxence Lacroix has enjoyed an impressive start to life at Chelsea(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)

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Levi Colwill

That would mean Colwill out on the left-hand side of a three. It has not been a great start to the season for the Cobham graduate. He will be hoping the three-week break came at the right time for him to have a bit of a refresh.

Pedro Neto

While he wasn't at his best last time out against Brentford, for the most part Neto has done a fine job as a right wing-back so far this term. The Portugal international returned to Cobham on Wednesday, so has had a few sessions to work with his teammates before this afternoon's fixture.

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Reece James

When James made himself unavailable for England selection due to a hamstring injury, Chelsea supporters were left fearing the worst - for obvious reasons. Fortunately, the Blues captain has been declared fit and should return to the middle of the pitch.

Moises Caicedo

The one Chelsea supporters have been waiting for. Caicedo has played just 14 minutes this season due to a persistent calf issue but has been passed fit to feature today. Don't expect the Ecuadorian to play the full 90 minutes due to the lengthy layoff, but even if it's an hour, that's a huge plus for Alonso and Caicedo himself.

Marco Palestra

A long time coming for Palestra, who is set to make his competitive Chelsea debut against the Cherries today. Whether it's on the right or left remains to be seen (we've gone for the latter). Either way, it is an enormous boost for Alonso to have a specialist wing-back available.

Marco Palestra

Marco Palestra is still waiting to make his official Chelsea debut(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)

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Cole Palmer

Similarly to Caicedo, if Palmer does start, he is unlikely to play the full game. Alonso is likely to be cautious with the 24-year-old but he should be in the starting line-up at Stamford Bridge.

Morgan Rogers

Rogers shone for England during the international break as the £117million signing's excellent start to the season continues. He is, arguably, the league's most in-form player right now - and Bournemouth will be all too aware of what their former loanee is capable of.

Joao Pedro

After missing Brazil duty due to a knee injury, Joao Pedro has also been passed fit for this afternoon's fixture. The Brazilian forward has three goals and three assists in four Premier League matches this season and will be desperate to continue his sensational start to the campaign today.

Predicted Chelsea XI (3-4-3): Martinez; Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, James, Caicedo, Palestra; Palmer, Rogers, Joao Pedro

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