Chelsea Starting XI vs Bournemouth: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Chelsea predicted lineup and injury latest ahead of Bournemouth clash

Chelsea close out their 2025 Premier League calendar with a home meeting against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge, a fixture carrying both short-term pressure and longer-term significance for Enzo Maresca. After a frustrating draw at Newcastle and a narrow defeat to Aston Villa, the Blues are seeking a response, but preparation has been complicated by fresh defensive injury concerns that have forced the head coach into careful reassessment.

This match arrives at a point where Chelsea’s performances have shown structure and intent, yet results have lagged slightly behind expectation. Team selection, fitness management and tactical balance are therefore under sharper focus than usual.

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Chelsea injury picture before kick-off

Chelsea are expected to be without Marc Cucurella after the left-back suffered what appeared to be a hamstring injury against Aston Villa. His withdrawal in that match was precautionary rather than dramatic, but the timing is awkward, given the lack of established alternatives in that role.

Jorrel Hato is also unlikely to feature again as he continues his recovery, while Romeo Lavia, Levi Colwill and Dario Essugo remain long-term absentees. None of those three are expected back in the immediate future, leaving Maresca with limited room for manoeuvre in both defence and midfield.

Wesley Fofana, by contrast, is expected to return to the starting line-up after being rested last time out. Benoit Badiashile filled in against Villa, but the balance and physical presence Fofana brings suggests a recall is likely, particularly against a Bournemouth side that carries threat in transition.

Cole Palmer’s fitness has also been a talking point. The playmaker has yet to complete a full 90 minutes in more than three months, though Maresca has insisted he is now capable of doing so. Palmer’s visible frustration at being substituted in recent matches underlines both his importance and his growing influence within the squad.

Selection dilemmas facing Maresca

The most immediate question concerns how Chelsea cover Cucurella’s absence. Malo Gusto is the leading candidate to slot in at left-back, having already deputised during the Villa defeat. While naturally right-sided, Gusto offers athleticism and positional discipline, even if it slightly alters Chelsea’s build-up patterns.

Reece James presents another tactical lever. The captain can operate either at right-back or in midfield, and Maresca has already shown a willingness to use him centrally, most notably when Enzo Fernandez was left out earlier this month. James’ deployment may depend on how conservative Chelsea choose to be in possession.

On the left wing, competition remains open. Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens are both under consideration, while Estevao continues to push for a start after encouraging cameos. Maresca has rotated frequently in these wide areas, looking for the right blend of control and directness.

How Chelsea are expected to line up

Chelsea are expected to continue with a 4-2-3-1 shape, prioritising midfield stability and allowing Palmer freedom between the lines. Robert Sanchez is set to retain his place in goal, with James and Gusto likely to occupy the full-back roles if Cucurella is ruled out.

Fofana should partner Trevoh Chalobah in central defence, offering pace and recovery speed against Bournemouth’s counter-attacking threat. In midfield, Moises Caicedo is expected to anchor proceedings alongside Fernandez, providing both ball-winning and progression.

Further forward, Pedro Neto and Garnacho are tipped to support Palmer, whose role as the primary creative outlet remains central to Chelsea’s attacking plan. Joao Pedro is expected to lead the line, tasked with linking play rather than acting purely as a penalty-box striker.

Context behind the predicted lineup

This Chelsea predicted lineup reflects both necessity and intent. Injuries have reduced Maresca’s options, but there is also a sense of continuity in selection, suggesting the head coach is keen to refine patterns rather than constantly reset them.

The Bournemouth fixture represents an opportunity to reassert momentum before the congested winter schedule resumes. While the injury latest has disrupted preparation, Chelsea still possess enough depth and quality to control the contest, provided concentration levels remain high.

For Maresca, this is less about experimentation and more about execution. The structure is in place, the personnel largely settled, and the challenge now is translating those elements into points.