Chelsea will be looking to bounce back from their September break by returning to Bournemouth in the Premier League this Saturday.
The Blues have endured a difficult 2024/25 campaign – their sixth defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers – and Enzo Marsca is still struggling to get his mind set on the club. Chelsea’s big squad full of young talent will take time to adapt to a new and different style.
However, the Italian may not be in a period of great reformation, so it is important that he increases the support in the hierarchy of the club with good performances and convincing results.
Here’s how Chelsea are shaping up for the tough trip to the south coast.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Bournemouth (4-2-3-1)
GK: Robert Sanchez – Despite the start of their struggle with top defenders, Chelsea have improved their kit. Sanchez is still Maresca’s favorite, but summer signing Filip Jorgensen is neck-and-neck.
RB: Malo Gusto – After Gusto was injured in the match against Crystal Palace before the international break, there were concerns about Gusto’s form for Saturday. With the injury to Reyes James, Gasteau will be welcomed from a distance if he is ready.
CB: Wesley Fofana – After missing last year due to injury, Fofana is recovering from a missed season. He was favored by Maresca at the start of the season despite competition from recently signed Tosin Adarabio.
CB: Levi Colwill – The centre-back returned to England during the international season, although Lee Carsley used him on the left. The powerhouse returns to his best performance against the Cherries.
LB: Marc Cucurella – Cucurella struggled against Daniel Munoz’s attacking threat against Palace but needs more opportunities to step up himself this week.
DM: Moises Caicedo – Started to find his feet in the Chelsea shirt and his importance increased after the injury of Romeo Lavia. He played for Ecuador on Sunday night before returning to England for the long tour.
DM: Enzo Fernandes – There seems to be more to come from Fernandes, who has only shown glimpses of his potential in a Chelsea shirt. He also played against Argentina on Tuesday night.
RW: Noni Madueke – After his hat-trick against Wolves and another strong display against Palace, Madueke was handed his first minutes in an England shirt at an international tournament. His confidence is always high at Bournemouth.
AM: Cole Palmer – Despite leaving England with a slight fitness concern, Palmer should be fit to face Bournemouth. Chelsea continue to rely on attacking midfielders to open the scoring in the final third.
LW: Pedro Neto – He has help from his former Wolves staff, but it will take time for the speedy Portuguese to find his feet in west London. Expect Julian Araujo to be busy this week.
ST: Nicholas Jackson – Jackson has been impressive for the Blues early in the season, scoring two goals and registering an assist after just three games. With his speed and direct running, he is always a handful in the final third.
