Expected lineup Chelsea vs Bournemouth: Cole Palmer deserve to start
Chelsea are preparing to return from the international break with an away match against Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium. The match on September 17 will see Chelsea looking for their first away win this season. Host Bournemouth is having a bad start to the season after experiencing an exciting summer but has not been able to win a single match under new coach Andoni Iraola. Top Flight provides Chelsea’s predicted lineup for the match against the Cherries. Standing in the middle will be Robert Sanchez, who will regularly play for the Blues this season. Sanchez is expected to be supported by Djordje Petrovic, who arrives from MLS side New England Revolution.
The situation at right-back will be interesting as captain Reece James is still recovering from injury. It is no surprise that he will be in the matchday squad, but a departure seems remote at this stage. Thus, Malo Gusto will deserve a new start. Central partners are expected to once again include Thiago Silva and Axel Disasi. Benoit Badiashile is close to returning but, like James, is unlikely to be thrown to the wolves and start. Levi Colwill will play on the left in a hybrid role, which will allow Ben Chilwell, who will also likely start further up the pitch.
The highly anticipated rise of Enzo Fernández and Moises Caicedo will return to the heart of midfield, avoiding a last-minute strike. It is difficult to keep Conor Gallagher out of midfield as he has started every game, but his substitution in the loss to Nottingham Forest could signal a move from the bench against Bournemouth. Roméo Lavia is still absent from Chelsea at this time.
Cole Palmer could get his first start under Mauricio Pochettino. Coming from Manchester City at the bottom of the window, Palmer joins a long list of young talent who have arrived at Stamford Bridge in the past two years. The rest of the attack will be completed by Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Jackson, who will be regular starters this season for Chelsea.
Chelsea’s expected lineup:
Robert Sanchez, Malo Gusto, Thiago Silva, Axel Disasi, Levi Colwill, Ben Chilwell, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer, Raheem Sterling, Nicolas Jackson.