Chelsea Prediction: Probable XI to face Bournemouth

Chelsea travel to the Vitality Stadium to face Bournemouth on Saturday, hoping to bounce back after tasting defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The Blues were swept away by a rampant Bayern Munich side, thanks to the heroics of Serge Gnabry, who netted twice in the 3-0 victory at Stamford Bridge.

However, Frank Lampard will expect his boys to dust down quickly and get three points at Bournemouth, who are just two points above the relegation zone.

Team News

Tammy Abraham pulled up while taking part in the post-game warm-up against Bayern. (h/t Football London)

Callum Hudson-Odoi is a big doubt due to a hamstring problem, while N’Golo Kante and Christian Pulisic are sidelined with a groin problem.

Chelsea Prediction: Probable XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Willy Caballero (GK)

Caballero made some key saves against Bayern that kept the scoreline down to 3-0. The Argentine has done well since replacing Kepa in goal and should start against Bournemouth.

Reece James (RB)

James endured a tough night against Bayern. However, the youngster will be raring to put a strong display at Bournemouth.

Antonio Rudiger (CB)

Chelsea’s defensive lynchpin, Rudiger will have to be at the top of his game to keep Callum Wilson and co. at bay on Saturday.

Andreas Christensen (CB)

Christensen struggled to cope with the quality of Bayern forwards on Tuesday. Yet, Lampard is likely to go with the Dane for Saturday’s game.

Cesar Azpilicueta (LB)

Azpilicueta has shown signs of ageing but he continues to be a reliable figure at the back for Lampard.

Jorginho (CM)

Jorginho struggled to control the game against Bayern in the Champions League. The Italian, however, will be itching to put in an improved performance at the Vitality Stadium.

Mateo Kovacic (CM)

Kovacic has been impressive in the recent few weeks and will partner Jorginho in the middle of the park.

Willian (RW)

Barkley could not influence things in the final third against Bayern, so Lampard could go with Willian ahead of the Englishman at Bournemouth. A tricky customer, Willian will start on the right flank.

Mason Mount (LAM)

Mount is a creative player who’ll be key in opening up the Cherries backline on Saturday.

Pedro (LW)

Pedro came off the bench to influence things against Bayern and did so to some extent. However, he couldn’t help Chelsea score. The Spaniard could receive a start on the left flank at the weekend.

Read more

• Why Chelsea must drop their interest in Udinese’s Juan Musso
• Why Chelsea must sell Marcos Alonso amidst Inter Milan interest
• Why Chelsea must reignite their interest in Hakim Ziyech

Olivier Giroud (ST)

Giroud has done well in the last few games and deserves to lead the Blues attack against Eddie Howe’s side.