Chelsea XI vs Bournemouth: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for Premier League

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Evening Standard

·5 December 2025

Chelsea XI vs Bournemouth: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for Premier League

Blues desperate to bounce back after dismal Leeds defeat

Enzo Maresca is expected to make significant changes to his team for Chelsea’s trip to Bournemouth.

Maresca tinkered with his starting line-up for Wednesday’s league game at Leeds but his five changes from the draw with Arsenal backfired as the Blues lost 3-1 at Elland Road.

There could be yet more changes as Chelsea look for a response when they face the Cherries at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

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Cole Palmer played for the first time in 74 days as he came on as a 61st-minute substitute at Leeds but could be handed the initiative from the start at Bournemouth, as he works his way back up to full fitness and eventually being able to last a full 90 minutes.

Reece James is expected to come back into the team after being rested at Elland Road, and Wesley Fofana could be involved after missing out altogether as his minutes are managed carefully by the club.

There is a decision to make up front, where Maresca can choose from Liam Delap and the versatile Joao Pedro.

Tosin Adarabioyo made an individual error for one of the Leeds goal on Wednesday and could be taken out of the limelight at centre-back as a result.

Levi Colwill and Romeo Lavia are long-term absentees, while Dario Essugo is also out injured after a setback in training suffered on Monday.

Chelsea predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Cucurella, Fofana, Chalobah, Gusto; Fernandez, James; Garnacho, Palmer, Neto; Joao Pedro

Injured: Colwill, Lavia, Essugo

Date and time: 3pm GMT, Saturday December 6, 2025

Venue: Vitality Stadium

TV Channel: Match not televised in the UK