Enzo Maresca is expected to make significant changes to his team for Chelsea’s trip to Bournemouth.
Maresca tinkered with his starting lineup for Wednesday’s Premier League clash with struggling Leeds, but his five changes from the draw against Arsenal backfired badly as the Blues lost 3-1 at Elland Road.
There could yet be more alterations as Chelsea look for an immediate response when they face the Cherries at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Cole Palmer played for the first time in 74 days as he came on as a 61st-minute substitute at Leeds, but could be handed the initiative from the start at Bournemouth, as he works his way back up to full fitness and eventually being able to last a full 90.
Captain Reece James is expected to come back into the team after being rested at Elland Road, and Wesley Fofana could be involved after missing out altogether in midweek as his minutes are managed carefully by the club.
There is a decision to make up front, where Maresca can choose between Liam Delap and the versatile Joao Pedro.
Tosin Adarabioyo made an individual error for one of the Leeds goals on Wednesday and could be taken out of the limelight at centre-back as a result.
Levi Colwill and Romeo Lavia are long-term absentees, while Dario Essugo is also still out injured after a setback in training suffered on Monday.
Moises Caicedo serves the second game of his three-match ban for being sent off against Arsenal, which should mean James partnering Enzo Fernandez in midfield once more.
Predicted Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Cucurella, Fofana, Chalobah, Gusto; Fernandez, James; Garnacho, Palmer, Neto; Joao Pedro
Injured: Colwill, Lavia, Essugo
Suspended: Caicedo
Time and date: 3pm GMT on Saturday December 6, 2025
Venue: Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth
