No Gusto or James: Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs Bournemouth

Football returns from the international break with Enzo Maresca searching for a win after back-to-back disappointments against Servette and Crystal Palace. This is a Chelsea predicted lineup for their clash with Bournemouth on September 14 in the Vitality Stadium

Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs Bournemouth in Premier League Tie

How Chelsea Have Lined Up Recently

There’s been effectively a full split with two seperate lineups being used across competitions. The Europa Conference League has seen a second-string 11 take to the field while the domestic competition is more of the A-team. Robert Sanchez is the go-to number one with Filip Jorgensen deputising.

The optimal back four is Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella with a rotation of Axel Disasi, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, and Renato Veiga. In both setups, one of the full-backs inverts with Gusto and Veiga being the two, and the rest move into something akin to a back three.

In midfield Moises Caicedo has been dropping back as one of the defensive midfielders in the absence of Romeo Lavia with Enzo Fernandez his ‘partner’ in midfield who usually strays forward. Cole Palmer has slotted in as the third central player as he moves in behind the striker. In Europe, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall often comes into the midfield alongside Christopher Nkunku playing in Palmer’s role.

The attacking trio consisted of Nicolas Jackson up front with Pedro Neto, Noni Madueke, or Mykhailo Mudryk off the wings. This is sure to be altered with the deadline day arrival of Jadon Sancho and the presence of Joao Felix.

Chelsea Recent Form and Tactics

Whether it is considered a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1 the idea remains the same, the team shifts in possession to a 3-2-4-1 of sorts with an full back inverting and one midfielder staying back as the others push up, the wingers maintain width or occasionally cut in if there’s a wide player to support. It’s very fluid and can be changed based on personnel available and their profiles as Felix, Nkunku, and others tend to pull inside a little.

Read More: Why Chelsea Need Victor Osimhen

Results have been mixed with Maresca’s first five competitive matches in charge leading to two wins, one draw, and two defeats. An ultimately meaningless draw to Servette was followed up with a draw against Crystal Palace where the Blues once again failed to keep a clean sheet, they have only managed a single one in their first five competitive fixtures with the Italian at the helm.

Scoring goals doesn’t appear to be the problem as the team are slightly overperforming on their xG numbers, meaning it is all on their leaky defence to shore things up and change the draws/defeats into better results.

Chelsea Injuries to Consider

It isn’t Chelsea if there aren’t some key injuries. Following the manager’s pre-match conference we know that he will be without both starting right backs in Gusto and Reece James, while Lavia is also not fit to return just yet.

Chelsea Predicted Lineup

With such a big conundrum thrown his way it’s difficult to know how the manager will react. Will Disasi move into the first team? will the Italian dig into Cobham and start Josh Acheampong? Could Ben Chilwell return from the shadow realm and move Cucurella over to right back? As of now, we don’t really know what to expect from Maresca so this is a shot in the dark.

GK – Rob Sanchez

LB – Renato Veiga

CB – Levi Colwill

CB – Wesley Fofana

RB – Marc Cucurella

DM – Moises Caicedo

CM/DM – Enzo Fernandez

CM/AM – Cole Palmer

LW – Jadon Sancho

ST – Nicolas Jackson

RW – Noni Madueke

Alex Richards, LWOF Editor

An experienced football writer, Alex is also a long-time wrestling and gaming writer. He brings lifelong experience and passion for both mediums to his writing. He aims to cover each with niche accurately and thoroughly.