Chelsea
4-3-3: Sarri To Make 1 Key Change | Expected Chelsea Line-Up vs Bournemouth
Chelsea take on Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon. Here is the side I think Maurizio Sarri will select for the game:
Chelsea will be looking to maintain their 100% start to the new season when they take on Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon. Here is the side I think Maurizio Sarri will select for the game:
Goalkeeper: Kepa Arrizabalaga has enjoyed a solid start to life in England following his world-record move from Athletic Bilbao so the Spaniard is certain to keep his place between the sticks again this weekend.
Defence: David Luiz wasn’t at his best at St James’ Park last week but the Brazilian seems to be in favour under Sarri so I expect he’ll keep his place ahead of Gary Cahill and Andreas Christensen against Bournemouth.
The new Blues boss has named the same back four in each of their opening three games so I don’t think he’ll make any changes on Saturday meaning Cesar Azpilicueta should once again start at right-back with Marcos Alonso on the left. Antonio Rudiger will line-up alongside Luiz in the middle of defence.
Midfield: New signing Mateo Kovacic made his full debut against Newcastle and is expected to keep his place in midfield so the the Croatian international should line-up alongside N’Golo Kante this weekend.
Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek will therefore have to make-do with places on the bench as Jorginho is certain to retain his place after another excellent performance last week. Cesc Fabregas could return to the squad if he manages to prove his fitness after missing the opening three games but a place among the subs is the best he can hope for.
Attack: Eden Hazard made his first start of the new campaign against Newcastle and was on the score-sheet during the 2-1 win so the Belgian international is likely to keep his place in attack on Saturday afternoon.
Alvaro Morata appears to be ahead of Olivier Giroud in Sarri’s pecking order up front so the Spaniard could lead the line once again but the Chelsea manager may decide to mix things up with Willian coming in for Pedro.
Here is how we think Chelsea will line-up:
