Premier League 2024-2025: Chelsea-Bournemouth, the likely lineups
Chelsea-Bournemouth, the probable formations
Chelsea hosts Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge in the 21stª day of the Premier League, with kickoff set for Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 8:30 p.m. The challenge puts valuable points up for grabs in the race to qualify for the Champions League, with the Blues and Cherries separated by just three points in the standings. Chelsea, led by Italy's Enzo Maresca, experienced a promising start but has hit the brakes in recent rounds, getting just two points in the last four games against inferior opponents on paper. Now Maresca is aiming to regain success to revive the ambitions of the Londoners, who have not won since Dec. 15.
Bournemouth, on the other hand, arrives at the appointment in great form, unbeaten in the league since Nov. 23 with five wins and three draws. Under the leadership of Andoni Iraola, the Cherries have climbed the standings, staying hooked on the European zone. With a mirror-image system of play to Chelsea, Bournemouth comes with a compact and dynamic lineup ready to put the hosts in trouble. The host club dreams of extending the positive streak and accomplishing the feat in London.
For Chelsea, Maresca could field a 4-2-3-1 with Sanchez in goal, full-backs Malo Gusto and Cucurella return after the FA Cup turnover, a South American midfield with Enzo Fernandez and Caicedo. Up front, Neto, Palmer, Sancho and Jackson will be called upon to break Bournemouth’s resistance. Iraola could respond with Kepa between the posts, a defense led by Zabarnyi and the confirmed Huijsen, and forward trident Semenyo, Kluivert and Ouattara behind Evanilson, the Cherries’ offensive leader.
Probable lineups
Chelsea(4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson. Coach: Maresca.
Bournemouth(4-2-3-1): Kepa; Aarons, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Christie, Cook; Semenyo, Kluivert, Ouattara; Evanilson. Coach: Iraola.