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Predicted Chelsea lineup (3-4-2-1) vs Bournemouth, Hazard and Rudiger start
Predicted Chelsea lineup (3-4-2-1) vs Bournemouth, Hazard and Rudiger start
Premier League holders Chelsea will look to maintain their winning momentum when they face off against Eddie Howe's Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.
The Blues endured a tough start to the month which included a shocking 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace, but they have since steadied the ship with one draw and two victories in all competitions.
Antonio Conte's men bagged a 4-2 comeback league win over Watford at Stamford Bridge last weekend, and they have followed it up with a 2-1 triumph over Everton in the League Cup fourth round.
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Lineup:
Thibaut Courtois has been the preferred choice for the Premier League and Champions League duties, and he is a certain starter in goal.
Chelsea had a shaky afternoon against Watford last time around, but Antonio Conte is likely to stick with Antonio Rudiger, David Luiz and Gary Cahill as his preferred combination in central defence.
With Victor Moses injured, Cesar Azpilicueta is certain to slot into the right wing-back spot, and he could be accompanied by another regular in Marcos Alonso at left wing-back.
Danny Drinkwater made his Blues debut in the midweek Cup game, but Conte will probably utilise him from the bench. In this case, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Cesc Fabregas are certain to start in central midfield.
Eden Hazard was left out of the League Cup game altogether, and he will be afresh to start in his preferred left-wing position. Willian scored his first Blues goal of the campaign versus Everton, but Pedro probably gets the nod over him on the right side of the attack.
Alvaro Morata did not have the best of games versus Watford last weekend, but Conte is likely to stick with the Spaniard ahead of Michy Batshuayi, who does not quite cut it from the starting lineup.
Chelsea lineup: Courtois, Cahill, Rudiger, Luiz, Azpilicueta, Alonso, Fabregas, Bakayoko, Pedro, Hazard, Morata
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