Nkunku starts, midfield wildcard, Gallagher and Silva last game - Chelsea lineups vs Bournemouth

Chelsea's players will walk out at Stamford Bridge one last time on Sunday as the Premier League season comes to an end.

Bournemouth make the trip to the capital hoping to secure a place in the top half of the table, while the Blues know that if they avoid defeat against the Cherries they will be playing European football next season. Mauricio Pochettino is looking forward to the clash and is keen for his squad to finish the season strongly.

"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," Pochettino said in his pre-match press conference. "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."

Pochettino has a number of selection dilemmas ahead of the match. Thankfully for him football.london's Chelsea writers are on hand to offer a helping hand. Here's who they think should start for the Blues against Bournemouth on Sunday.

Sam Truelove - Content Editor

What a season it's been for Pochettino. Considering some fans were calling for the Argentine to be sacked not too long ago, it has to be said he has done a fine job in his first season with Chelsea considering all the new signings last summer and persistent injury problems around the squad.

Before attention turns towards next season, though, Pochettino will be keen to finish the campaign on a high against Bournemouth. I believe the former Spurs boss will make one change to the backline which started at Brighton & Hove Albion, with Thiago Silva coming in to replace Benoit Badiashile. It will be the Brazilian's final game as a Chelsea player and he's sure to get a grand send off.

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Conor Gallagher and Moises Caicedo are likely to continue as the midfield duo in front of the defence. Ahead of them, though, there could be some changes. Mykhailo Mudryk was forced off against Brighton with concussion and will not be part of the squad on Sunday. In the Ukrainian's place I would start Raheem Sterling, who probably deserves an opportunity to impress after spending some time on the bench.

Fresh from his goal against the Seagulls, I would also start Christopher Nkunku against the Cherries. The Frenchman has appeared in the Blues' last three matches and has more than proven his fitness. With Nkunku playing just behind the striker, it means Cole Palmer is shifted to the right hand side in place of Noni Madueke. Up front is Nicolas Jackson, who will be hoping to add to his 14 Premier League goals this term.

Truelove's Chelsea XI: Petrovic; Gusto, Chalobah, Silva, Cucurella; Gallagher, Caicedo; Sterling, Nkunku, Palmer; Jackson.

Lee Wilmot - Head of football

It's unlikely, but Chelsea could finish fifth on Sunday - which would be an extraordinary achievement given everything that has gone on in Mauricio Pochettino's first season with the club. Calls to be sacked have been persistent, yet in all likelihood the Blues will finish sixth and in Europe next season.

It is at this stage of the season where managers may look to make a few changes and I've a few fringe stars a game. Pochettino, however, has been doing that most of the season.

Djordje Petrovic plays in goal while there will be an emotional farewell for Thiago Silva ahead of him. the Brazilian veteran has been quite the signing for Chelsea and will leave a big hole in the back line. Alongside him should be Trevor Chalobah with Marc Cucurella on one side and Malo Gusto on the other.

In midfield I'd give Cesare Casadei a runout from the start, alongside Moises Caicedo and Conor Gallagher. The former Leicester loanee has earned a start on the final day of the season after a run of substitute appearances.

Then, in attack, Cole Palmer - obviously - should play with Christopher Nkunku in support of Nicolas Jackson up top.

Wilmot's Chelsea XI: Petrovic; Gusto, Silva, Chalobah, Cucurella; Gallagher, Caicedo, Casadei; Palmer, Jackson, Nkunku.

Tom Coley - Central Audience Writer

If it ain't broke, break it? That's what Emma Hayes says, and it works pretty well for her.

Pochettino has found a level of consistency in his team selection and performances that we haven't seen all season, so sticking with that for a game that still has plenty riding on it certainly makes sense. However, there's reason to make a few changes.

Petrovic remains in goal not only due to being the only fit 'keeper (sorry Marcus Bettinelli, you're not really in contention) but also because he has earned it. Gusto needs to be managed carefully but looked strong again against Brighton so he is in again.

Alongside Silva, who simply must play as much as possible in his last game for the club, it could be the final time Trevoh Chalobah walks out as a Chelsea player. That would be a huge shame, especially as he is yet to lose a league game he has started this season.

Cucurella and his will-he-won't-he inversion finishes the defence at left-back. In front of him is another that might not be seen in Chelsea blue again. Gallagher is a fan favourite and SW6 will make that clear as a possible sale continues to be considered. Caicedo has been excellent for much of 2024 and retains his place.

The attack has been clicking so little movement is needed but even with Mudryk's concussion absence, it would be great to get Nkunku a third league start of the season. Alongside Jackson and Palmer it's a glimpse into the future and next season of what Chelsea could be.

Coley's Chelsea XI: Petrovic; Gusto, Chalobah, Silva, Cucurella; Caicedo, Gallagher; Madueke, Palmer, Nkunku, Jackson