Chelsea welcome Bournemouth to Stamford Bridge tomorrow for a crucial Premier League clash as they look to get back to winning ways.
Xabi Alonso has delivered positive news on several players, with Moisés Caicedo and Cole Palmer both back in training ahead of the game.
With key players returning to contention, who makes our predicted Chelsea XI to take on the Cherries?
Predicted XI
GK - Emi Martinez
He returns from the international break after waving goodbye to Lionel Messi in Argentina colours and is expected to start in goal, despite a fitness scare while on international duty.
He will be looking to kick on and replicate that international form on the Premier League stage.
CB - Josh Acheampong
I’d favour Josh over Wesley Fofana, offering a better balance of defensive solidity and attacking quality in that position. Reece James could also slot into the role if Xabi Alonso wants to make a change.
CB - Maxence Lacroix
The French international enjoyed an excellent break under new coach Zinedine Zidane, carrying his strong form into the Nations League. Hopefully, he can build on those performances and maintain that momentum for Chelsea.
CB - Levi Colwill
The Englishman will have used the three-week break to work on his role in a back three, having been the centre-back who has struggled most to adapt to Xabi Alonso’s new formation.
RWB - Pedro Neto
The Portuguese winger also enjoyed a successful international break and will return to Chelsea duty looking to provide an attacking threat down the right-hand side.
CM - Romeo Lavia
I can’t include Reece James after arguing that he could be overrun in midfield and become a weak point for Chelsea. Romeo Lavia enjoyed a positive international break, so I’d bring him into the side to partner Moisés Caicedo instead.
CM - Moises Caicedo
According to Xabi Alonso, he is back to full fitness and ready to start. He could help counter Bournemouth’s biggest threat by pressing aggressively and giving the Cherries a taste of their own medicine.
LWB - Marco Palestra
A long-awaited debut could be on the cards for the Italian, who may get his chance on the left rather than his preferred right-hand side. However, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Pep Chavarría on the left and Palestra on the right, providing greater balance across the pitch.
AM - Cole Palmer
Whether he is carrying a slight niggle or not, Cole Palmer remains crucial to Chelsea’s chances. He will be key to unlocking Bournemouth’s midfield and breaking down their defence as he looks to make the difference in the final third.
AM - Morgan Rogers
Will be looking to add goals and assists against his former team.
ST - Danny Welbeck
Doubts over João Pedro’s fitness following his injury concerns could see the manager take a cautious approach, with Danny Welbeck a suitable replacement if needed. The Englishman also has a strong record against Bournemouth from his time at Brighton, making him a useful alternative.
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