Chelsea complete their 2023/24 season this Sunday when they host Bournemouth on the final day of the Premier League
Chelsea go into their final match knowing they’ll secure European qualification if they avoid defeat. The Blues currently sit sixth in the league table, which would be enough for Europa League football next season, albeit that would become the Europa Conference League if Manchester United win the FA Cup final.
It’s going to be interesting to see what Mauricio Pochettino does with his starting line-up versus Bournemouth.
Chelsea are on a four-game winning streak right now, largely due to a lot of consistency in the side.
However, The Chelsea Chronicle predicts there will be two changes to the starting XI against Bournemouth.
GK and defence
Djordje Petrovic is the first-choice goalkeeper and keeps his starting position.
Malo Gusto continues at right-back, especially because Reece James is unavailable through suspension becauses of his red card against Brighton on Wednesday.
Trevoh Chalobah, who’s having a superb end to the season, starts as one central defender. He could have a different centre-back partner on the final day, though.
Benoit Badiashile drops down to the bench in the predicted XI to make room for Thiago Silva, who should get the chance to say goodbye to the Stamford Bridge fans. It’s been confirmed he’s leaving this summer, so the cult hero should get an emotional farewell moment.
Finally, Marc Cucurella keeps his spot again at left-back during this great run of form.
Midfield
It’s the same midfield pivot of Moises Caicedo and Conor Gallagher that is surely the most likely pairing in midfield on Sunday.
During the absence of the injured Enzo Fernandez, the Caicedo-Gallagher combination has been so effective both in and out of possession.
Attack
Noni Madueke starts again as the right-winger, albeit Raheem Sterling is banging on the door to play.
Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer continues in the No 10 position. He’ll hope to add to his remarkable tally of 22 league goals this season.
The second and final change comes on the left wing. With Mykhailo Mudryk confirming via Instagram he’s unavailable after suffering a concussion injury this week at Brighton, he drops out of the XI and is replaced by £52m (BBC) goalscorer Christopher Nkunku.
Finally, Nicolas Jackson leads the line as the striker.
Predicted Chelsea line-up vs Bournemouth (4-2-3-1)
Petrovic
Gusto Chalobah Silva Cucurella
Caicedo Gallagher
Madueke Palmer Nkunku
Jackson
IN: Silva, Nkunku
OUT: Badiashile, Mudryk