“We need to be aware of” – Maresca warns Chelsea about three factors ahead of Bournemouth clash | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca has warned his Chelsea side they must be ready for a different intensity and environment when playing away from home.

Chelsea seemed totally unprepared for what met them at Leeds and they simply couldn’t deal with the intensity of the game or the Elland Road atmosphere, and they slumped to a 3-1 defeat.

The Blues travel to Bournemouth on Saturday for another tough test, and need to get back to winning ways on the south coast.

Enzo Maresca sends warning to Chelsea

Maresca made five changes for the Leeds game, and it’s likely the Italian will make more changes for the trip to Bournemouth.

Chelsea need to field their strongest team, and there should be no excuses not to given the rotation that took place in midweek.

Chelsea didn’t seem prepared for the game against Leeds. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Wesley Fofana will likely return in defence, whilst Reece James will almost certainly start, and Chelsea have no fresh injury concerns.

Maresca has confirmed Cole Palmer is ready to start, but is unsure if he’s ready to play 90 minutes, but whoever plays the level will need to improve from Wednesday.

Chelsea have got the quality to win, but Maresca has warned the Blues they must be prepared for several things when playing away from home.

“We need to be aware of where we go [when away from home],” he said as quoted on X.com.

“In terms of the intensity, the environment, whether it is a small pitch.

“We need to be ready for all these things.”

No fresh injury problems for Chelsea

Ahead of Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth the Blues have no fresh injury worries, with Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo still absent.

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It’s important at this busy time to have as many players available as possible, and Chelsea will be hoping they don’t pick up any injuries.

Bournemouth haven’t won in their last five league games, and despite a good recent record against the Cherries, it’s a game which can’t be taken lightly.