Chelsea fans’ preferred lineup against Bournemouth: James, Emerson start ahead of Azpilicueta

With progression in the Champions League secured, Chelsea host 15th place AFC Bournemouth and will now also be keen to get back to winning ways in the Premier League. Eddie Howe’s team have struggled this year and, on paper, the Blues should be clear favourites. Then again, that doesn’t count for much nowadays.

THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE

The WAGNH community followed Frank Lampard in his decision to revert back to the 4-3-3 formation and, though it was a close call, with the 4-2-3-1 (47%) came in second.

Antonio Rüdiger finally returned to the starting lineup on Tuesday and the community showed that they want him to stay there. Kurt Zouma is preferred to Andreas Christensen (26%) and the still injured Fikayo Tomori (8%) for the spot next to him. César Azpilicueta (62%) surprisingly joins Marcos Alonso (6%) on the bench, as Emerson gains a starting nod.

While there have been several questions marks about other areas on the pitch, midfield isn’t one of them. Chelsea’s best combination is quite clearly Mateo Kovačić, N’Golo Kanté, and Jorginho. Mason Mount (55%) sits this one out.

Another goal, another day receiving more than 90% of the votes; Tammy Abraham’s on fire right now and Michy Batshuayi (6%) can’t touch him. Christian Pulisic is once again rewarded for his brilliant run of form as he joins Willian on the wings ahead of a struggling Callum Hudson-Odoi (45%) and Pedro (3%).

4-3-3 (50%)
Arrizabalaga (94%) | Emerson (64%), Rüdiger (92%), Zouma (73%), James (70%) | Kovačić (68%), Jorginho (82%), Kanté (93%) | Pulisic (88%), Abraham (95%), Willian (59%)

MY PREFERRED LINEUP

I’ve gone with the same lineup as the community, but once again have picked Hudson-Odoi ahead of Willian. Yes, the winger has looked rusty since returning from injury and, yes, he’s undoubtedly got to improve a lot. However, we all know what kind of a player he has in him and not playing him won’t change things.

4-3-3
Arrizabalaga | Emerson, Rüdiger, Zouma, James | Kovačić, Jorginho, Kanté | Hudson-Odoi, Abraham, Pulisic

COME ON, YOU BLUES!!!