We may only be four games into the new Premier League season, but Chelsea already find themselves under huge pressure travelling to Bournemouth this Sunday.
Four points from as many games has left a sour taste in the mouths of Chelsea supporters, with the disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest a particular low note. While Mauricio Pochettino deserves time to change the narrative at Stamford Bridge, whether Todd Boehly will afford him it is another question entirely.
Bournemouth have hardly been convincing themselves, taking just two points from a possible 12, and the Blues will be boosted by memories of last season’s 3-1 win on the south coast.
Pochettino has employed a 3-4-2-1 formation in recent matches despite question marks over its suitability, but the Argentine may persist with his offensive system to exploit a shaky Bournemouth defence.
Here’s how Pochettino could line Chelsea up.
GK: Robert Sanchez – Despite the arrival of Djordje Petrovic from New England Revolution, Sanchez appears to have nailed down the number one spot for now following Kepa’s departure.
CB: Axel Disasi – Injuries to Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana mean the back three pretty much picks itself, with Disasi having put in some mixed performances since arriving this summer. The 25-year-old did manage a goal on his debut against Liverpool.
CB: Thiago Silva – One of the few older heads in the nursery that is the Chelsea dressing room, although you wouldn’t know it based on his heated debates with fans on Instagram.
CB: Levi Colwill – Some minor question marks over his fitness when travelling with the England senior team for the first time over the international break, but should be fit and raring to go against Bournemouth.
RWB – Malo Gusto – Needs to shine while he has the chance given Reece James will soon return from injury. Provided two assists against Luton and Pochettino will want him to pose similar attacking threat this Sunday.
CM: Moises Caicedo – Starting to settle at Chelsea after a disastrous debut against West Ham. However, it’s unfair to think that the £115m man would solve all the Blues’ problems.
CM – Enzo Fernandez – Definitely one of Chelsea’s standout performers this season and looks a lot more comfortable having to do less defensive work. Scored his third Argentina goal on international duty against Bolivia.
LWB: Ben Chilwell – Hasn’t been anywhere near his best so far this season in a more advanced role in which he operates as a left-winger at times, but still has plenty of quality and not much competition for his starting spot.
AM: Cole Palmer – A first start could lie in wait for the £45m man after coming off the bench against Nottingham Forest. The youngster was in good form for Manchester City prior to his move and could be a useful source of creativity in central and wide areas.
AM: Raheem Sterling – Has been Chelsea’s best player this season alongside Fernandez with his two goals against Luton helping the Blues to their only league win to date. Sterling will be eager to show Gareth Southgate exactly what he was missing after his omission from the England squad.
ST: Nicolas Jackson – Despite missing a sitter against Nottingham Forest and looking a little raw at times, Jackson has still impressed since arriving from Villarreal. He’s likely played more football than expected due to attacking injuries, but needs to find his ruthless streak soon.
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