Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea Era: Squad Updates, Sancho’s Debut Hopes, and Bournemouth Preview
Chelsea’s new era under Enzo Maresca has had a mixed start, with one win, one draw, and one defeat from their opening three Premier League matches.
After a tough 2-0 loss to Manchester City, the Blues bounced back with a dominant 6-2 victory over Wolves but were held to a 1-1 draw by Crystal Palace before the international break, leaving them 11th in the table.
As Chelsea prepare for their upcoming clash with Bournemouth, much of the squad has been away on international duty, with 15 players representing their countries.
Those remaining at Cobham, including Christopher Nkunku, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Romeo Lavia, and new signing Jadon Sancho, have been putting in extra training.
The trip to Bournemouth offers a great opportunity for Chelsea to get back to winning ways and climb up the league table.
Fans will be eager to see the starting lineup, with Sancho potentially making his debut after his deadline-day move from Manchester United.
His inclusion could mean Cesare Casadei drops out of the squad, as Axel Disasi, Renato Veiga, and Tosin Adarabioyo provide defensive depth off the bench.
The return of key players like Reece James, who is recovering from injury, and Romeo Lavia, who impressed against Manchester City, will be crucial.
James could replace Malo Gusto if he’s not fully fit, while Lavia might be eased back into action from the bench against Bournemouth. Cole Palmer, who withdrew from England duty as a precaution, should also be available, having been a key player for Chelsea so far with four assists this season.
Predicted Chelsea Matchday Squad
Starting XI:
Sanchez; James, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson
Substitutes:
Jorgensen, Disasi, Adarabioyo, Veiga, Dewsbury-Hall, Lavia, Nkunku, Mudryk, Felix
With Chelsea looking to find consistency, the match against Bournemouth presents an important test for Maresca’s side.
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea Era: Squad Updates, Sancho’s Debut Hopes, and Bournemouth Preview
