Chelsea predicted line-up vs Bournemouth: key changes made as £53m gem starts amid Joao Pedro decision

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.

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

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?

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 had looked set for a couple more weeks on the sidelines, and the talk was that he may not return for Chelsea until the end of the month. However, Alonso has now clarified that he’s fit and ready to go this weekend, which will come as a huge boost to the Blues. He could start, with veteran striker Danny Welbeck and Emmanuel Emegha waiting in the wings.

Chelsea predicted line-up vs Bournemouth: Martinez; Fofana, Colwill, Lacroix; Neto, Lavia, Henderson, Hato; Rogers, Palmer; Pedro.

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