Chelsea’s starting XI to take on Bournemouth in the last Premier League game of the year has been announced.
After dropping points against Aston Villa at the weekend, the gap from the Blues to the leading pack has widened.
Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth are the next task for Chelsea — a team they played out a scoreless draw with earlier this month.
It’s a chance to bring the vibe at Stamford Bridge back up as we head into the new year and the second half of the season.
Chelsea’s starting XI to take on Bournemouth
For the last time in 2025, here’s how Enzo Maresca is setting up his Chelsea side.
Chelsea’s XI to take on the Cherries 💪
No Joao Pedro?
It’s a similar side to the one chosen against Villa at the weekend, but Josh Acheampong and Estevao Willian get a rare start.
There’s plenty of scope for an impact to be made from the bench, too. Iraola is wary of Chelsea’s strength in depth.
Chelsea vs Bournemouth a rarity of a fixture
Chelsea facing the same opponent twice in a month has happened just once before.
In 1998, the Blues played out two draws with Manchester United in December.
Moises Caicedo’s sensational goal against Bournemouth 🔥
How much is he worth in today's market?
- READ MORE: Why Chelsea will already be fearful of second half of Bournemouth fixture hours before kick-off
After a 0-0 draw in the first week of December, Chelsea will be hoping not to repeat history by dropping more points. 10th-place Fulham are just three points back — a fact that won’t be lost on Maresca and the players.
Almost time…
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