Chelsea will be desperate to put their abysmal first half of the season display behind them when they welcome Bournemouth to the bridge tonight. The Blues have endured a torrid first half of the season despite getting to a flying start to life under manager Graham Potter. Chelsea went into the world cup break languishing in eighth position, while there’s little room for slip ups, the need to get off to a flying start to their second half of the season can’t be overemphasized.

Chelsea can’t afford to wait for the wind of good fortune before they start sailing as fast as they can, they must dictate the pace of their own fortune with fortitude regardless of who is available.

Chelsea team news :

The Blues have been dealt a massive blow after the injury sustained by Armando Broja in a friendly game against Villa during the world cup break ruled the Armenian out for the rest of the season. The long list of injuries continues as Wesley Fofana sustained a setback injury during a 5-1 friendly win against Brentford, ruling the Frenchman out of action for at least 3 weeks.

However, there’s consolation in the news that Kepa and Mount are likely to be In contention to make the team for Tuesday whilst Kante, Chilwell and Loftus Cheek remain on the sidelines. Mateo Kovacic and Hakim Ziyech are enjoying an extended break after a scintillating world cup run in Qatar for the pair and will also not be in the squad tonight.

Bournemouth team news :

The Cherries Manager Gary O’Neil will be hoping to have Jefferson Lerma back for this tie after his knee injury. Marcus Tavenier, Lerma and Ryan Fredericks were rumored to have been hit with a virus alongside 10 other players. However, first team GK’s Neto and Lloyd Kelly were also absent in the Carabao cup tie defeat to Newcastle but could make the team.

David Brooks was also able to resume light training during the warm weather training camp as the Cherries star man is unlikely to make the team.

Chelsea potential line up : (3-4-3) – Mendy, Chalobah, Silva, Koulibaly, James, Jorginho, Gallagher, Cucurella, Mount, Aubamayang, Sterling.

Bournemouth potential line up : – GK Travers, Smith, Mepham, Senesi, Zemura, Christie, Billing, Cook, Anthony, Solanke, Moore.

My preferred Chelsea line up : – Mendy, James, Chalobah, Silva, Cucurella, Jorginho, Gallagher, Sterling, Mount, Hutchinson, Aubamayang.

Score prediction : Chelsea 2:0 Bournemouth