Chelsea predicted XI vs Bournemouth as tough Estevao Willian call is made and Cole Palmer starts

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Chelsea do not have long to dwell on the defeat to Leeds before they are back in action in the Premier League against Bournemouth.

Enzo Maresca received some criticism for his team selection at Elland Road, with the defence in particular experiencing some problems up against their aggressive opponents.

Tosin Adarabioyo struggled greatly, and it can be expected he will be out of the starting XI as Wesley Fofana returns to the squad.

The attack will also see changes. Cole Palmer was back on the pitch for the first time since September, and we are predicting he will start against Bournemouth.

With the ambition to keep their place in the top four of the Premier League, The Chelsea Chronicle have predicted the XI Maresca will name on Saturday.

Chelsea predicted XI vs Bournemouth

Robert Sanchez didn’t cover himself in glory up against Leeds on Wednesday, but will retain his place in the starting side for now.

One of Maresca’s biggest mistakes last time out was not starting a recognised right-back, and he will rectify this by starting Reece James.

Fofana will be back in the starting squad, after being left out as a precaution at Elland Road.

Alongside him, there will be another start for Benoit Badiashile, bringing a left-footed option to help progress the ball.

At left-back, Marc Cucurella will be rested, with Jorrel Hato being handed a rare start since his summer move.

In midfield, Andrey Santos will continue in the starting side, and hope to leave a better impression on Maresca than he would have done at Leeds.

He will again be joined by Enzo Fernandez, who himself was caught in possession for Leeds’ second goal.

Ahead of those two, Palmer will be back in the starting side after his bench appearance. Reports have stated that Palmer was in line to start against Leeds until a late decision.

On the right wing, Pedro Neto will be back in the starting side, seeing Estevao Willian drop to the bench after a tough evening in Yorkshire.

The opposite side will be occupied by Alejandro Garnacho, who was one of the more impressive players in Chelsea’s lacklustre performance on Wednesday.

Up front, Joao Pedro will get the nod over Liam Delap. The Englishman is still searching for his first Premier League goal for his new club.