CHELSEA are aiming to shake off their dodgy Premier League form when they host Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Frank Lampard’s men have lost three of their last four league matches, but will be buoyed by having sealed qualification for the Champions League Round of 16 against Lille on Tuesday night.
How Chelsea could line up for this weekend’s game against Bournemouth
And Lampard was pleased to be able to hand Antonio Rudiger just his second appearance of the season in the 2-1 midweek triumph.
The German defender hadn’t featured since the 5-2 victory at Wolves back in September, in which he was substituted at half time.
And if the 26-year-old is deemed fit enough to start two matches in such a short space of time, he should take his place alongside Kurt Zouma at the heart of the Blues’ defence.
With Fikayo Tomori, who yesterday signed a new contract, still missing with a hip injury, Andreas Christensen will step in, should Rudiger not be ready.
Behind them will be goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, despite the Spaniard looking shaky in recent weeks.
As for the full-back areas, Emerson, having surprisingly been recalled to the starting XI against Lille, played well and could continue on Saturday.
Skipper Cesar Azpilicueta, whose own mid-week performance was full of roving runs into Lille’s final third, will definitely start.
Whether it’s at right back or left back is the only question – as Lampard may opt to recall Reece James for Emerson.
Andreas Christensen and Reece James could step into the defence
Jorginho has been missing for the last two league games, but returned for the crunch Champions League clash with Lille.
And the Italian is likely to return to the Premier League XI – and once again be flanked by the tireless Mateo Kovacic and N’Golo Kante.
Talented youngster Mason Mount will once again have to be content with a place on the bench.
US international Christian Pulisic has looked a little jaded in recent weeks, but was back to his electrifying best on the left side of the attacking trident against Lille.
And with Callum Hudson-Odoi failing to make an impact after coming on, Pulisic will keep his starting place.
The attack will be completed by stalwarts Tammy Abraham and Willian.
Chelsea currently sit in fourth, five points above Manchester United.
And despite their poor recent form, they should have enough to beat Bournemouth, who are on an even worse run, having lost their last five games.
Kick off is at 3pm at Stamford Bridge.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
