Chelsea are aiming to return from the September international break with a bang this Saturday when they journey to Bournemouth in the Premier League.
The Blues have endured a difficult 2024/25 – their six-goal thrashing of Wolverhampton Wanderers aside – and Enzo Maresca is still attempting to instil his philosophy at the club. Chelsea’s gargantuan squad, filled to the brim with young talent, will naturally take time to adjust to a new and distinct style.
However, the Italian may not be afforded a significant adjustment period, which is why it’s so important that he tops up his support from the club’s hierarchy with positive performances and convincing results.
Here is how Chelsea could line up for a tricky trip to the south coast.
GK: Robert Sanchez – Despite Chelsea starting the campaign with a gazillion goalkeepers, they have trimmed their collection since. Sanchez still appears to be Maresca’s favoured choice but summer signing Filip Jorgensen is breathing down his neck.
RB: Malo Gusto – There are concerns over Gusto’s fitness heading into Saturday after he picked up an injury in the draw with Crystal Palace before the international break. With Reece James injured, Gusto will be called upon if remotely fit.
CB: Wesley Fofana – After missing last season through injury, Fofana is making up for lost time. He has already won favour with Maresca at the start of the season despite competition from recent recruit Tosin Adarabioyo.
CB: Levi Colwill – The centre-back returned to England duty over the international period, although he was used at left-back by Lee Carsley. The versatile powerhouse will return to his preferred role against the Cherries.
LB: Marc Cucurella – Cucurella struggled against the attacking threat of Daniel Munoz against Palace but should be handed more opportunities to get forward himself this weekend.
DM: Moises Caicedo – Having started to find his feet in a Chelsea shirt, his importance has increased following Romeo Lavia’s injury. He faces a long journey back to England having played for Ecuador on Tuesday night.
DM: Enzo Fernandez – It still feels like there is much more to come from Fernandez, who has shown only glimpses of his excellence in a Chelsea shirt. He too was in action with Argentina on Tuesday evening.
RW: Noni Madueke – After his hat-trick against Wolves and another strong showing against Palace, Madueke earned his first senior minutes in an England shirt over the international period. His confidence should be at an all-time high heading to Bournemouth.
AM: Cole Palmer – Despite withdrawing from England duty with a minor fitness concern, the influential Palmer should be fit to face Bournemouth. Chelsea still rely on the attacking midfielder to open doors in the final third.
LW: Pedro Neto – He already has an assist under his belt against his former employers Wolves but it will take time for the speedy Portuguese to find his feet in west London. You would expect him to keep Julian Araujo busy this weekend.
ST: Nicolas Jackson – Jackson has been in impressive early season form for the Blues, scoring twice and notching an assist after just three games. He’s always a handful in and around the final third with his pace and direct runs.
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