Predicted Chelsea XI vs Bournemouth

Chelsea return to Premier League action after the international break as they face Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on matchday six of the English top flight, looking to secure a win after two outings without victory three weeks ago.

Xabi Alonso’s side has not looked very convincing lately and failure to string together results could put the Spaniard under pressure very early in the season and in his tenure as the Blues’ manager.

As the Londoners look for success in a tricky fixture versus Bournemouth, here is a look at their potential starting eleven.

Goalkeeper – Emiliano Martinez is expected to start in goal despite an underwhelming start to life as a Chelsea player.

Defenders – Wesley Fofana, Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill have become mainstays in Xabi Alonso’s back three, and Chelsea are likely to go with the trio in their defensive setup once more in the match against Bournemouth.

James, Caicedo and Hato start

Midfielders – Pedro Neto has been entrusted by Chelsea at right wing-back lately and the Portuguese international has been fairly decent in the position. He is expected to continue in the role, but a change could ensure at left wing-back with Pep Chavarria likely to make way for Jorrel Hato.

Meanwhile, both Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson could drop out of the playing eleven as Moises Caicedo and Reece James are in contention to be fully fit to start from the word go.

Forwards – Cole Palmer missed England’s fixtures in the international break due to a minor fitness issue but is expected to be fit for the Bournemouth game. He could start on the right wing, with Morgan Rogers keeping his place on the left flank.

Joao Pedro missed Brazil’s matches in the international break after an injury but could return to the Chelsea line-up as their number nine tomorrow at Danny Welbeck’s expense.

Here is a look at Chelsea’s possible starting eleven on paper.