Bournemouth vs Chelsea: Predicted XI

It’s a trip to the south coast for Chelsea this weekend but no sandcastles will be built as it is now an experimentation period for the blues and now their main objective is to prevent Tottenham Hotspur from winning the league, so many players could be rested for the game next weekend which could decide the title race.

Contrast to the senior teams season, it has been an incredible week for the academy as they wrote their name in the history books after a 2-1 victory against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA youth league final on Monday. The u19’s have become the first team in all formats to retain the champions league, which is an incredible achievement and some of the squad could be rewarded with an appearance in the first team.

It was announced earlier today that the captain of Chelsea’s European triumph: Charlie Colkett, was handed a new three year deal so the talented midfield maestro could make his professional debut against Cherries.

Hiddink will hopefully take some of the youth into consideration and give them the opportunity they deserve, so here is my predicted XI:

Goalkeeper

Asmir Begovic: A horrendous performance against Manchester City was topped of with Courtois receiving his second red card of the season, subsequently missing our next two games against Bournemouth and Tottenham. Begovic will replace the Belgian and will get a ‘second audition’.

Defence

Cesar Azpilicueta: There’s not really much to say about Azpi, the Spaniard will always give a 7/10 performance and has become one of the first names on the team-sheet.

RCB – Branislav Ivanovic: John Terry still remains out injured so Ivanovic will continue as the skipper.

LCB – Matt Miazga: The American looked out of place against Swansea but has to learn from his mistakes by being given a chance at the Vitality stadium.

LB – Abdul Baba Rahman: Chelsea will most likely hold the majority of the possession, so Baba will be key down the left hand side, providing added pressure on the Cherries back line.

Midfield

RDM: Ruben Loftus-Cheek: The young midfielder has been a sensation in recent weeks and was hands down our best player against Manchester City. The 6’3 academy graduate is finally making a push to cement his place in the first team and deserves to continue his run of form this weekend.

LDM – Nemanja Matic: Since the arrival of Hiddink, Matic has fallen down the pecking order behind Mikel; but with the huge game next weekend, it will be important to rest the Nigerian.

CAM – Kasey Palmer: It has been a sensational season for Palmer this term and was a key player in Chelsea’s UEFA youth league and scored the winning goal against PSG. The 19 year old has made a huge step up this year and having being giving a squad number recently he could be given his debut and this is the perfect opportunity.

Forwards

RW – Bertrand Traore: The Burkina Faso international has featured much recently, only making substitute appearances against Manchester City and Swansea in recent weeks, despite an explosive start. It will be important for his development that he starts and may be deployed out on the right wing.

CF – Diego Costa: After completing his three match suspension, Costa looked lacklustre against Manchester city, it will be important for the Spaniard to retain his form so he must start against Bournemouth.

LW – Eden Hazard:  Having been injured since March, Eden Hazard is finally back at training and could be put straight back into the team and will feature in the remaining games of the season.

 

 

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