James And Mount Recalled, Azpilicueta And Kovacic On The Bench: Chelsea’s Predicted XI To Face Bournemouth

Chelsea will be facing a Bournemouth side blighted with injuries and bereft of confidence tomorrow so manager Frank Lampard will need to put out an attacking team to take advantage.

It means Reece James is likely to be recalled in defence. Captain Cesar Azpilicueta was excellent against Lille but he is far less potent in the attacking third. Emerson should keep his place after also performing well midweek.

Lampard will want to keep both Antonio Rudiger and Kurt Zouma in the starting line up so they can start to build an understanding. Injuries have meant the Blues have lacked a regular centre-back partnership this season.

In midfield, Mateo Kovacic may be given a rest after playing almost non stop since October. It will also allow Lampard to bring a more direct goalscoring threat in Mason Mount into the team.

The front three is expected to stay as it is. Tammy Abraham, Willian and Christian Pulisic have been performing well, and there is no real need to change things.