Moises Caicedo drops early Chelsea team news hint for Bournemouth as Pochettino makes key change

Mauricio Pochettino will need to make at least one change from the starting XI that beat Brighton earlier this week for Sunday's clash against Bournemouth. The Blues continued their impressive recent form and picked up another victory which saw them move three points, while also having a better goal difference, behind fifth-placed Tottenham.

Following the embarrassing defeat to Arsenal in late April, the suggestion Chelsea could be playing European football next season would have been laughed at, but 13 points picked up from the following five games has seen given them a real chance.

To absolutely guarantee a Europa League spot today, Chelsea need Spurs to lose against Sheffield United while they beat Bournemouth. Alternatively, they can end the season in sixth but to secure a spot in Europe's second-club competition, Manchester United would need to lose the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

In his pre-match press conference, Pochettino was asked about playing in Europe next season with his answer a telling one. "It’s really important for us to finish in the way we’re doing now, with the confidence and the way we’re playing in the last few months," he said.

"I think it’s really important for the team, the players and the club to be close to achieving one of the objectives: to play in Europe next season. "The most important thing now is to be seen to perform and trying to compete in the best way. Bournemouth are a tough game and are playing so well, so yes it’s tough.

"But it’s important to finish well and see, after, if we have the chances to get the place. Being fifth would be amazing for us." A large reason behind Chelsea's improvements have been down to numerous players upping their games to match the levels set by Cole Palmer and Conor Gallagher.

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Trevoh Chalobah, Nicolas Jackson, Marc Cucurella and Moises Caicedo have all consistently featured in the five-game unbeaten run and impressed. The latter of those names in particular has stepped up in the absence of Enzo Fernandez to injury and subsequently become a vital player for Pochettino.

As such, Caicedo is certainly expected to start against Bournemouth with the player himself hinting at such. On Instagram, the Ecuador international posted a pre-match graphic which suggests his involvement will be key.

While that starting place seems confirmed, Pochettino must make one change with Mykhailo Mudryk to miss the game through concussion protocols. Christopher Nkunku replaced the Ukraine international in the Brighton game but Pochettino has suggested he may have to look elsewhere.

"Because I think he played more than we expected because of the problem with Mudryk, he played 70 minutes," the Chelsea boss said when asked if Nkunku would start. "More than we planned. We will assess him tomorrow if he can start. 90 minutes is hard for him to play after playing on Wednesday. We don’t need to take risks.

"We will take the best decision for him, first, and then the team. We cannot take the risk. He needs to finish well with good feelings, and start preseason like Reece James." If Nkunku is not risked it will likely be Raheem Sterling that starts the clash at Stamford Bridge.