With Premier League action resuming after the international break, several Chelsea players have returned from representing their countries, while others stayed behind at Cobham to train. An exciting encounter awaits us at the Vitality Stadium, based on the performances we’ve seen from both Bournemouth and Chelsea in their opening matches this season.
Bournemouth have taken 46 shots on goal — the third highest in the league— with an expected goals (xG) tally of 5.85. On the other hand, Chelsea’s matches this season have been characterized by a chaotic mix of attacking intensity and defensive frailty. Bournemouth’s attacking energy combined with Chelsea's unpredictability promises an end-to-end game.
After a physically demanding and gruelling international break, some of Chelsea's regulars might be fatigued. This opens the door for fringe players to step up and make an impact.
At The Pride of London, we highlight three fringe players who could provide the spark Chelsea need to overcome a brave Bournemouth side at the Vitality Stadium.
Axel Disasi
The French international has slipped down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge under Maresca this season. However, with both Chelsea captain Reece James and Malo Gusto sidelined due to injury, Disasi is likely to be trusted with the right-back role in this clash at the Vitality Stadium.
Having primarily featured in Chelsea's Conference League fixtures this season, Disasi will relish the opportunity to prove his worth once again. He's no stranger to the right-back position, having played there before, so adapting to the role should come naturally to him.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
Chelsea’s midfield engines, Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo, were heavily involved with their national teams during the international break. Caicedo, in particular, played the full 90 minutes in both matches and could feel the effects in what promises to be a high-intensity game against a Bournemouth side that has already taken 46 shots on goal this season.
Bournemouth also rank fourth in the Premier League for Passes Per Defensive Action (PPDA), indicating that fans could be in for an end-to-end battle.
With Roméo Lavia sidelined due to injury, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall becomes the most logical choice to add some much-needed steel to the midfield. Having only played 38 minutes in the Premier League so far, Dewsbury-Hall will be eager to impress and earn Maresca’s trust— especially since he’s worked under him before at Leicester.
Jadon Sancho
The former Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United winger is yet to make his debut for Chelsea after a late move during the transfer window. Sancho, who enjoyed a successful loan spell at Dortmund last season, helping them reach the Champions League final, will be eager to make his mark in a Chelsea shirt.
While Chelsea’s left flank is stacked with competition—Mykhailo Mudryk, João Félix, Christopher Nkunku, and Pedro Neto all vying for the spot—the role is still up for grabs for anyone ready to claim it.
Sancho will undoubtedly be eager to seize the opportunity and prove his worth in what could be his Chelsea debut. A strong performance in this highly anticipated clash would be the perfect way to announce himself to the Blues fans and supporters.
With injuries and fatigue from international duty affecting a few key players, the depth of Chelsea’s squad should be tested in what promises to be a thrilling, end-to-end clash against Bournemouth.