Chelsea XI vs Bournemouth: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and latest injuries for Premier League
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has several significant decisions to make both in terms of formation and personnel ahead of Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth.
The 3-4-3 system used to such positive effect against Tottenham was ripped apart by Bayern Munich in midweek. The 41-year-old could return to 4-3-3 at Bournemouth, although the extra centre-back may be in his thinking given the Blues lost this fixture 4-0 under Maurizio Sarri last season.
Tammy Abraham is a major doubt after limping out of the post-match warm-down against Bayern with what appeared to be a recurrence of his previous ankle problem.
Willian only made the bench in midweek and is likely to return while Christian Pulisic is nearing a return to action but this weekend may come too soon for him.
N’Golo Kante (adductor) and Callum Hudson-Odoi (hamstring) are both unavailable.
Lampard must also choose whether to persevere with Willy Caballero in goal. The 38-year-old was not at fault for any goals against Bayern but Kepa Arrizabalaga’s £71million price tag makes it a difficult call to leave him each time.
Chelsea predicted XI (4-3-3): Caballero, James, Christensen, Rudiger, Azpilicueta; Kovacic, Jorginho, Barkley; Willian, Giroud, Mount
