Chelsea predicted lineup vs Bournemouth: 3 changes made as Sterling dropped in 4-3-3
Chelsea travel to the south coast to face AFC Bournemouth who are a team on rise. The Cherries were on a downward trajectory, struggling in the bottom five but four wins out of five has propelled them to 13th place, level on points with Chelsea.
Frank Lampard’s Blues have been winless in last six games and it is now a growing matter of concern whether CFC can end their season on a respectable note. A mid table finish is now the goal but a horrendous run of results could further push Chelsea down the table. The Blues have a squad with top talent and some world beaters but without cohesion and chemistry, the team is struggling to even muster a draw.
Chelsea will be without Mason Mount, Reece James, Kalidou Koulibaly, Marc Cucurella and Armando Broja. The Blues have had a terrible record at the Vitality stadium, losing two of their previous three games at Bournemouth. CFC will hope to register their first win at the Vitality since 2017 but Cherries are a team on the rise and Lampard’s men will have their work cut out.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Bournemouth
Goalkeeper: Kepa Arrizabalaga
Lampard continues to trust Kepa in goal and he is expected to keep his position until the end of the season. The Blues will either sell Kepa or Edouard Mendy in the summer as they scout the market for a new goalkeeper. The remaining games in the season serve as an opportunity for Kepa to stake his claim and show the club chiefs that he should remain at the club.
Defence:
Right back: Cesar Azpilicueta
With James sidelined with injury for the remainder of the season, Cesar Azpilicueta will be playing out wide for the remaining five games of the season.
Centre back: Thiago Silva
Thiago Silva is a solid contender to win Chelsea’s Player of the Season award. The Brazilian has been rock solid at the back, marshaling the backline.
Centre back: Wesley Fofana
Wesley Fofana has complemented Silva well as the duo has started four of the six games under Lampard. With the expectation of 4-3-3 shape to be retained, Fofana will partner Silva in the central defence.
Left back: Ben Chilwell
Ben Chilwell has racked up top performances in the second half of the season despite Chelsea’s poor form. He has been a threat from the left flank, often making darting runs forward and even getting into goalscoring positions playing as a wing back.
Midfield:
Central defensive midfield: Enzo Fernandez
Enzo Fernandez has been an integral part of the Chelsea team, playing every Premier League game since signing for the Blues in the January transfer window. Fernandez oozes confidence in midfield but he needs strong partnerships in the middle.
Central midfield: Mateo Kovacic
Mateo Kovacic might leave Chelsea this summer as clubs like Liverpool and Manchester City are keeping an eye on the Croatian. The 28 year old will look to put in solid performances to increase his chances of leaving this summer.
Central midfield: Conor Gallagher
Lampard’s affinity to Conor Gallagher would see him start the game, although he is likely to be sold in the summer in order to balance the books. Gallagher should provide the necessary energy and pressing in the midfield as Kovacic exhibits his box-to-box qualities.
Attack:
Right wing: Noni Madueke
Noni Madueke scored a consolation goal against Arsenal as CFC lost 3-1 to their neighbours and rivals. Madueke’s first goal for Chelsea has him beaming with confidence and giving him another opportunity will be the right step. If Lampard fails to give Madueke a start, it will come down as a case of poor man management.
Striker: Kai Havertz
Pierre-Emerick Aubmeyang started against Arsenal but failed to grab the opportunity as he largely underwhelmed. This could force Lampard to change the striker and give Kai Havertz a go.
Left wing: Mykhailo Mudryk
Mykhailo Mudryk has shown flashes of his capabilities since his move from Shakhtar. The Ukrainian is direct and rapid and if afforded time and space, can wreak havoc on defences.
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Will CFC win against Bournemouth?