Enzo Maresca could well be forced into changes when Chelsea host Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League tonight.
The Blues fell to a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday after a second-half brace from Ollie Watkins.
Chelsea have now won just one of their past six league games, but have little time to lick their wounds as they gear up for the visit of Bournemouth just three days later.
And Maresca may have to make changes against Andoni Iraola’s side, who themselves have endured a miserable recent run, with their last victory coming in late October against Nottingham Forest.
Marc Cucurella has been virtually ever-present at left-back for Chelsea this season, but the Spaniard was forced off midway through the second half against Villa after picking up an injury.
‘He was complaining about hamstring, so we don’t know if it’s an injury now or not. So he asked for the change,’ Maresca said post-match when asked about Cucurella’s condition.
Given the quick turnaround, the Chelsea boss may not want to take a risk, meaning Malo Gusto could start at left-back in place of Cucurella.
Who do you think will win?
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Chelsea win
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Bournemouth win
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Draw
Reece James played a full 90 minutes at the weekend but could start again this evening, while Wesley Fofana could come back into the starting lineup.
The Frenchman was rested against Aston Villa to manage his fitness as Benoit Badiashille started in his place. That could be reversed tonight.
Jorrel Hato could have been in line to start in Cucurella’s place tonight, but the Dutchman picked up an injury during a recent warm-up and will not be available for selection against Bournemouth.
Elswhere, Romeo Lavia, Levi Colwill and Dario Essugo remain long-term absentees for the Blues.
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Chelsea XI to face Bournelouth – Metro prediction
Marresca will be minded to continue with the partnership of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in the middle of the park, but could rotate further up the pitch.
Alejandro Garnacho has been short of goal contributions in recent weeks, and Jamie Gittens could replace the Argentine on the left wing tonight.
Estevao has also returned to fitness, coming off the bench to replace Palmer against Villa, and will be pushing for a start.
The aforementioned Palmer cut a frustrated figure when he was brought off at the weekend, and will be hopeful of playing the full 90 minutes tonight for the first time since returning from his long injury lay-off.
Chelsea vs Bournemouth kick-off time, TV channel and live stream
Chelsea vs Bournemouth kicks off today (Tuesday 30 December) at 7.30pm.
You can watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event with streaming also available through the Sky Go app and NOW TV for subscribers.
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