Chelsea are back in action after a month-long World Cup break, as they host AFC Bournemouth. See Last Word on Football’s Chelsea Predicted Lineup for their Premier League clash against Bournemouth.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs Bournemouth
Have a Blue Christmas, Chelsea fans! 💙 pic.twitter.com/BSUW2hIcyu
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 25, 2022
How Chelsea Have Lined-up Recently
Graham Potter has switched up his style and tactics ever since taking over the Blues earlier this season. Normally, they seem to be more comfortable in a three-man backline for the time being because of how they played under former manager Thomas Tuchel.
There seem to be some players who have solidified themselves as key members of the squad under the new manager. Kepa Arrizabalaga is one, having snatched away the starting goalkeeper role from Edouard Mendy. The likes of Thiago Silva, Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling and Hakim Ziyech are coming from stressful World Cup campaigns, but most of them are expected to feature in this one as well.
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Jorginho has been a go-to midfielder who holds things together and helps move the ball forward smartly. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will have a key role going forward, being his side’s only natural no.9 option after the injury of Armando Broja. Reece James is back from injury and should take that right wing-back role his own very soon.
Chelsea Recent Form and Tactics
The London side headed into the World Cup break in a really poor run of form, having lost four out of their five games across all competitions before their players headed to Qatar. Potter had a pretty solid start to his career at Chelsea, being unbeaten in his first nine games in charge. The Blues returned to action during the World Cup break with a loss against Aston Villa before the upcoming game against Bournemouth.
Chelsea have developed a possession-based style of football under the English manager, but have struggled to score a lot of goals. They couldn’t score a goal in their last three games before the World Cup break and their attacking players look to be struggling in the final third. Aubameyang has to be more clinical with his finishing, while the likes of Sterling and Mount also need to be efficient with their final product.
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Hakim Ziyech is in line to get a bigger role under Potter after impressing for Morocco at the World Cup. He could solve their creativity issues with his excellent crosses, but is unlikely to start this game. The return of James will also help Chelsea move forward with more fluidity on the right. Jorginho and Kovacic are both inclined to move the ball around all through the game, with the latter also being relied upon to create chances with his slick passes.
The Blues have maintained a pretty sturdy backline with multiple bodies there to protect their three centre-backs. Their focus for the Bournemouth game has to be towards being ruthless in the final third, take their chances well and bringing festive cheer to Stamford Bridge in their first game after a lengthy break.
Chelsea Injuries to Consider
Armando Broja has been ruled out for the rest of the season after sustaining an injury in the friendly against Aston Villa. Wesley Fofana, who was poised to return after the break, also suffered an injury setback and is out for this game. N’Golo Kante and Ben Chilwell are dealing with long-term injuries, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek is a doubt as well.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup
Kepa Arrizabalaga, Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Thiago Silva, Kalidou Koulibaly, Marc Cucurella, Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic, Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
