Chelsea got back to winning ways in midweek as they beat Lille 2-1 in the Champions League and secured progress to the knockout stages of the competition.
And next up, they return back to the Premier League with a game against AFC Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The Blues suffered a 3-1 loss at the hands of Everton last weekend meaning they are now just five points clear of Man United who are in the 5th spot of the table.
Frank Lampard did decide to name his strongest possible side in midweek vs Lille meaning most of them will have to return back to action when the Cherries come to the Bridge in the weekend.
Chelsea team news vs Bournemouth:
Antonio Rudiger returned back from a long injury lay-off and made his first start in months for Chelsea. And while most of the fans would want him to keep his place in the first XI vs Bournemouth but we don’t think the manager will risk playing him twice in such a small time frame.
This would mean Kurt Zouma would be partnered by Christensen in central defence since Tomori is out with a minor injury and as of now, he is not in line to feature on Saturday.
Emerson started at left-back in midweek but Azpilicueta could take his place during the weekend as Lampard looks to bring in Reece James back into the starting line-up.
Ross Barkley remained an unused sub vs Lille but the England international has a big opportunity to feature against the Cherries as Lampard looks to rest some of his key players.
We believe the pair of N’Golo Kante and Jorginho will keep their place in central midfield while Kovacic will be rested as Ross Barkley comes into the side.
Callum Hudson-Odoi came off the bench in midweek and the youngster is in line to start vs Bournemouth while Mason Mount could also get a place in the starting line-up as Pulisic moves to the bench.
Olivier Giroud is still recovering from an ankle sprain meaning it will be Michy Batshuayi who will start on the bench as Tammy Abraham leads the line for Chelsea.
Chelsea’s predicted XI vs Bournemouth:
Starting XI: Kepa Arrizabalaga; Reece James, Zouma, Christensen, Azpilicueta; Jorginho, Kante, Ross Barkley; Callum Hudson-Odoi, Abraham, Pulisic/Mason Mount.
Injury list via Premier Injuries.
