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Shock Joao Felix decision, Pedro Neto dropped - Chelsea XI Enzo Maresca must pick vs Bournemouth

Pedro Neto in action
-Credit:Chris Lee - Chelsea FC


Chelsea face Bournemouth on Tuesday evening as the Blues look to end their poor recent form in the Premier League.

In the last four matches, the west Londoners are without a victory - drawing with Everton and Crystal Palace and losing to Fulham and Ipswich Town in that time. Bournemouth, flying high in seventh place, will travel to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday looking to inflict even more pain on the Blues.

Chelsea, though, did get back to winning ways on Saturday afternoon albeit against a Morecambe side that sit 23rd in League Two. As expected, Enzo Maresca named a heavily rotated team against the Shrimps with more than half an eye on the visit of the Cherries in midweek.

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Below, Bobby Vincent and Sam Truelove discuss and debate what they would do in terms of personnel if they were in the Italian's shoes...

Bobby Vincent

No surprises in goal. It will be Robert Sanchez after Filip Jorgensen underwent his cup duties at the weekend. In front of him, while Reece James was bright in his 45-minute cameo on Saturday, it feels like a risk to start the Chelsea captain.

Malo Gusto and Marc Cucurella as the two full-backs, for me, with Josh Acheampong partnering Levi Colwill once again at the heart of the Blues' defence. Acheampong was not used from the bench on Saturday and should replace Tosin Adarabioyo given the 18-year-old's superb display at Selhurst Park around 10 days ago.

Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez to come back into the XI. It was pleasing to see Romeo Lavia return at the weekend but I would treat his situation similar to James'. There is no need to rush him back into the line-up and he could have an impact from the bench in the second-half.

Pedro Neto has looked a little out of sorts recently so I would consider dropping him for this one. Maresca said on Monday morning that Noni Madueke is back fit and available after a brief illness. This could be a really big chance for Madueke to stake a real claim in the Chelsea setup.

Cole Palmer in the middle and on the left, I would consider Joao Felix. He was sensational on Saturday - yes, against Morecambe but he can only handle what is in front of him. Felix on the left, but drifting into the middle at every given opportunity; so it is almost like Chelsea have two No.10s in Palmer and the Portuguese.

Nicolas Jackson as the sole striker but I want to see a lot more from him this game. Without a goal in almost a month, Jackson has looked off it recently but there is still complete trust from Maresca, who spoke glowingly about the striker on Monday.

Bobby's line-up: Sanchez; Gusto, Acheampong, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Felix; Jackson.

Sam Truelove

Bournemouth are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League games so Chelsea must be at their best to secure all three points. Enzo Maresca had the luxury of resting a few players at the weekend so the Blues should be fit and raring to go.

Robert Sanchez is my goalkeeper of choice, with Levi Colwill playing alongside Tosin Adarabioyo in the heart of defence. It's perhaps harsh on Josh Acheampong but I have been impressed with Tosin for the majority of this season.

Marc Cucurella is the first-choice left-back with Malo Gusto on the right. Reece James should get some more minutes from the bench, though.

With Romeo Lavia fit there is a temptation to start him but I would look to build his fitness up slowly. Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo are more than capable against the Cherries.

In front of them is Cole Palmer in the No.10 role and my choice of wingers would be Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke. I don't think Pedro Neto has done enough in recent weeks so Madueke deserves a chance. Nicolas Jackson needs a goal and that could come on Tuesday night.

Sam's line-up: Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson.