Chelsea vs Bournemouth predicted XIs: Confirmed team news and probable line-ups | OneFootball

Chelsea need a point against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Sunday to secure European football next season.

The Blues play their final game of the 2023-24 Premier League campaign at 4pm live on Sky Sports Football aiming to extend a four-game winning run.

Mauricio Pochettino has pushed his side to within three points of his former club Tottenham, meaning the Blues could yet climb to fifth place on the final day.

Pochettino flips the pressure on Chelsea board

Having seemingly been under pressure for weeks, Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea have really clicked in the Premier League run-in. Only Manchester City and Arsenal have picked up more points in their last eight games as the Blues have pushed their way into the top six.

It was reported earlier this month that the Chelsea board were demanding a top-six finish from Pochettino, which looked unlikely at the time. However, this late rally has flipped the script, putting the ownership into a tricky position.

Pochettino hasn’t yet had any formal backing, despite turning the club around after last season’s terrible campaign. A Europa League spot and two Wembley appearances have to be considered positives for a side bedding in an almost entirely new squad. That stands in stark contrast to his opposite number this weekend, as Andoni Iraola has already signed an improved deal with Bournemouth.

The Blues don’t entirely have their future in their own hands this weekend. They can only confirm their Europa League place on Sunday if Tottenham lose at Sheffield United and they see off Bournemouth. For now, sixth place only gets them into the Conference League unless Manchester United lose next weekend’s FA Cup final to Manchester City.

Regardless, Pochettino is targeting another win in this late-season flourish. With the Blues boasting the fourth-best record in the league in 2024, another win would strengthen his case to be the man to lead the Blues back into the Champions League.

Chelsea vs Bournemouth team news

After making just two substitute appearances following a long-term injury lay-off, Chelsea’s Reece James managed to get himself suspended at Brighton on Wednesday. His second straight red card earned him a four-game ban, which will carry over into next season.

The Blues also have Mykhailo Mudryk out this weekend, with the Ukrainian winger’s concussion sustained at the Amex ruling him out of the final game. Raheem Sterling is in line to replace him, and Christopher Nkunku could start on the left wing after scoring when coming off the bench in midweek.

The Blues continue to have a lengthy injury list which includes Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia, Enzo Fernandez, Carney Chukwuemeka and Robert Sanchez.

Bournemouth head to Stamford Bridge without Luis Sinisterra and Ryan Fredericks. The Cherries also have doubts about Chris Mepham and Romain Faivre. Former Chelsea forward Dominic Solanke is set to lead the line and he’s targeting his 20th goal of the campaign against his old side.

Chelsea vs Bournemouth Predicted XIs

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Petrovic; Gusto, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella; Caicedo, Gallagher; Madueke, Palmer, Sterling; Jackson.