Bournemouth vs Chelsea: Predicted lineup today and confirmed team news

James hoping to return to the starting XI today (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea face a tough test on the road this afternoon when they take on Bournemouth in Premier League action.

Talk of a title challenge at Stamford Bridge heightened after last weekend’s draw with Arsenal but was extinguished somewhat after a woeful defeat to Leeds United midweek.

Moises Caicedo was absent that night and will miss today’s game at the Vitality Stadium and the visit of Everton next week as a result of the red card he picked up in the game against the Gunners.

Andrey Santos was drafted into replace him against Leeds on Wednesday but struggled to fill the void on a night where Maresca made five changes in total.

Reece James, excellent in midfield against Arsenal, was rested with his game time still being managed after his well-documented injury issues with Wesley Fofana also left out.

The duo will be expected to return to the starting XI today with Cole Palmer also hoping to start just his third league game of the season.

The England international has struggled with a chronic groin injury with a stubbed toe delaying his return after the international break. Palmer came off the bench against Leeds with Maresca desperate to get him back up to full fitness as quickly as possible.

Palmer returned off the bench at Leeds (Picture: Getty)

Should Palmer return in the no10 role, it leaves Maresca with a decision up top with Liam Delap and Joao Pedro vying for that no9 role.

Tosin Adarabioyo was most responsible for that calamitous third Leeds goal and could perhaps make away for Fofana.

Maresca has no fresh injuries with Romeo Lavia, Dario Essugo and long-term absentee Levi Colwill still unavailable. But more rotation is expected today.

James will surely return to the side, whether at right-back or in midfield.