Chelsea predicted to start Martinez, James and Joao Pedro in 3-4-2-1 vs Bournemouth
October 10, 2026 13:50
Chelsea host Bournemouth in the Premier League this afternoon (October 10, 2026) and manager Xabi Alonso looks set to make several changes after a 3-0 defeat at Brentford. The Blues won their first two league games but have taken only one point from their subsequent three matches, and a revised starting XI is expected for the home fixture.
EXPECTED LINE-UP (3-4-2-1)
Alonso is predicted to deploy a 3-4-2-1. Emiliano Martinez is poised to start in goal. The projected back three are Wesley Fofana, Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill. Marco Palestra has fully recovered from a pre-season injury and looks set to make his Chelsea debut at right wing-back, with Jorrel Hato likely to start on the opposite wing ahead of Pep Chavarria.
In midfield Reece James and Moises Caicedo are fully fit after their respective injuries and are expected to feature in central midfield. Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers are predicted to operate as the two number 10s, with Joao Pedro — now fit after a brief knee injury — leading the line.
The full predicted XI: Martinez; Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill; Palestra, James, Caicedo, Hato; Rogers, Palmer; Joao Pedro.
WHY IT MATTERS
The changes come as Chelsea seek a strong response to recent results: after winning their opening two matches they have picked up just one point from the next three. A win at home would halt that run.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Chelsea face Bournemouth in the Premier League this afternoon (October 10, 2026).