While most fanbases celebrate the end of International breaks, the Chels’ faithful remain unsure as the club has somehow managed to pick up from where they left off last season. Chelsea find themselves sitting in the bottom half of table picking up only one win from their first four games.
However the International break must’ve definitely given Pochettino and his team some time to regroup, work on their flaws and cement gaps. He also has additional quality at his disposal now with Benoit Badiashile and Armando Broja back with the squad and expected to make the bench soon. Deivid Washington too has joined first team training.
AFC Bournemouth on the other hand are winless so far and seem destined to battle relegation this season. The Spanish Head Coach will try and get his players’ hopes up as they know that the Blues are pretty vulnerable right now with Pochettino still experimenting with the squad. The pressure is definitely piling on the west Londoners and the Cherries will look to make the most out of it.
Predicted Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez (Spain)
Although the supporters aren’t very impressed with what the Spaniard has put on display so far, Sanchez will continue in goal at least until Petrovic makes his debut. Sanchez has only managed to keep one clean sheet so far which came against newly promoted Luton Town and will be expected to increase that tally with the Cherries up next.
Right back: Malo Gusto (France)
Pochettino has confirmed that club captain Reece James is desperate to help the squad and back working with ball. He is expected to be join the squad before the next International break. In the mean time Gusto will continue in his role.
Centre back: Axel Disasi (France)
The French International has enjoyed a decent start to life at Chelsea based on his individual performance. Yes, he has been caught out of position a couple of times but he ensured that we don’t miss the likes of Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah who were unavailable.
Centre back: Thiago Silva (Brazil)
Silva was heavily criticized for the error that lead to the only goal of the game against Nottingham Forest. A considerable part of the fanbase firmly believes that the squad is better off without the veteran and the Gaffer should be dropping him immediately. However if we look at the analytics and moreover consider the role that this man plays when it comes to organizing the defence, Silva’s spot is untouchable.
Left back: Levi Colwill ( England)
The academy graduate has looked sharp so far, impressing the fanbase with his versatility. His passing is easy on the eyes and has proved to be a blessing for Pochettino who has been experimenting with his options.
🚨 Enzo Fernandez is ready, they “hope” that Caicedo will be ready, says Poch.
— Pys (@CFCPys) September 15, 2023
Central midfield: Moises Caicedo (Ecuador)
There is some uncertainty as to whether or not Caicedo will return in time to prepare for the tie. If he does, starting him would be a no brainer. But if he fails to join the squad in time, Pochettino could hand over this role to the tenacious Conor Gallagher.
Central midfield: Enzo Fernandez (Argentina)
Enzo Fernandez has returned from International duty and will start on Sunday. He got himself on the scoresheet against Bolivia and will hope to bring those goals to Chelsea. Also considering the fact that the Argentine now has the likes of Caicedo and Palmer alongside, he could play with more freedom and get into advanced positions often.
Central attacking midfield: Cole Palmer (England)
Although CFC failed to beat Forest at home, Palmer’s debut performance definitely put a smile on the supporters’ face. He has already shown us glimpses of his quality, in fact he looks like the player we expected Kai Havertz to be when signed from Bayer Leverkusen. And now after bagging two goals and an assist with the England U21s, he will looking forward to making his full debut for Chelsea at the Vitality Stadium.
Right wing: Raheem Sterling (England)
The former Manchester City and Liverpool winger has finally found himself. The world class player has by far been the best player in the squad this season. He also tops a few charts in Europe with his mind-blowing stats and will now look to find that end product which ultimately wins points.
🚨 Raheem Sterling is at the top of the list for most touches inside the opposition box so far this season in Europe's top seven leagues.#CFC
— Chelsea Dodgers (@TheBlueDodger) September 14, 2023
(@Squawka) pic.twitter.com/evIpW4dfP0
Left wing: Ben Chilwell (England)
The Chels’ faithful have been requesting Pochettino to use Mudryk on the left wing and not throw the baby with the bath water by using Chilwell in such an advanced role. However the Gaffer seems convinced,
"“Ben (Chilwell) is a full-back, I know but he can help the team in a different position. I think in the last four games, Ben created more chances than any other player. In the national team last week, I think he played in a similar position.”"
Striker: Nicolas Jackson (Senegal)
With the chances he has had at his disposal, he definitely should’ve been competing with the top goal scorers of the league this season. However his potential is evident and with time as he settles in, the goals will follow.
What changes would you make to this squad?