Chelsea’s expected XI vs Bournemouth as Mauricio Pochettino weighs up changes
Chelsea take on Bournemouth this afternoon and Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping for a much-needed victory. The Blues have won just one of their opening four Premier League matches of the season. Express Sport looks at how Pochettino will likely line up at the Vitality Stadium.
Goalkeeper – Sanchez
Robert Sanchez hasn’t had the easiest start to life at Chelsea. Many thought he was brought in to be Kepa Arrizabalaga’s understudy but is now the No 1 at Stamford Bridge.
Fellow summer signing Djordje Petrovic is yet to make his debut. Pochettino will likely give the Serbian a chance in cup competitions before considering picking him in the Premier League.
Defence – Disasi, Thiago Silva, Colwill
Pochettino will have considered making changes following the 1-0 loss at home to Nottingham Forest last time out. But a long injury list means he may have to stick with the same defensive setup.
Benoit Badiashile is working his way back to match fitness after returning to full training this week. Trevoh Chalobah also remains out, while Wesley Fofana could miss most of the season with a knee injury.
Therefore the back three could pick itself. Axel Disasi, Thiago Silva and Levi Colwill have started all four league games so far and could maintain that record today.
Read more… Pep Guardiola blown away by Jeremy Doku after Man City beat West Ham
Mauricio Pochettino previews Bournemouth clash
Midfield – Gusto, Caicedo, Gallagher, Chilwell
Chelsea captain Reece James is not yet back from his hamstring injury. Malo Gusto will therefore keep his spot as right wing-back.
Ben Chilwell has almost played as a left winger this season and will continue to do so on the south coast. Moises Caicedo will want to put on a better showing than he managed in his first two appearances in a Chelsea shirt.
Romeo Lavia is yet to make his debut and suffered a fresh injury last week. He is set for a number of weeks on the sidelines, meaning Caicedo will likely partner Conor Gallagher in central midfield.
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Attack – Sterling, Fernandez, Jackson
Enzo Fernandez has been allowed to play further forward following Caicedo’s arrival. He will occupy an attacking midfield role, with Chilwell the main threat down the left.
Fernandez will drop back to make it a midfield three when defending but he has the licence to showcase his talents in the final third. Pochettino will consider starting either Noni Madueke or Cole Palmer but the pair will likely have to settle for roles off the bench again.
Raheem Sterling has started the season well, with two goals in the first four games. He will provide support to Nicolas Jackson up front, who has impressed despite scoring just once so far.
Chelsea’s expected XI vs Bournemouth in full: Sanchez; Disasi, Thiago Silva, Colwill; Gusto, Caicedo, Gallagher, Chilwell; Sterling, Fernandez, Jackson.
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