Bournemouth vs. Chelsea: Expected Starting 11, Confirmed Team News and Injuries, Will Jadon Sancho Make His Debut?

Chelsea is set to make their return to the Premier League as they kick off their campaign with a trip to Bournemouth on Sunday. Fans are eagerly anticipating the start of the new season and are hopeful for a successful run for the Blues.

Enzo Maresca's side were held to a 1-1 draw by Crystal Palace in their game prior to the international break, leaving them with four points from the opening three league matches of 2024/25.

The new manager would be forgiven for wanting this fixture to come around quickly as a distraction from the ongoing boardroom saga at Stamford Bridge, with a dispute between the club's owners threatening to overshadow Maresca's attempts to get Chelsea back on track towards challenging at the top end of the table.

Bournemouth produced a dramatic comeback to beat Everton 3-2 away from home last time out, having been trailing 2-0 until the 87th minute. They will hope to continue their winning ways against a team they held to a 0-0 draw in this same fixture almost exactly a year ago.

The Sporting News looks at the latest predicted lineups and confirmed team news.

MORE: All the latest Chelsea news | Premier League schedule for 2024/25 | Latest Premier League top scorer rankings

Enes Unal and Tyler Adams are not yet ready to return for Bournemouth, but Philip Billing could be back after having only played six minutes this season. 

Andoni Iraola may consider a few alterations from the dramatic win at Everton, having said he felt his team did not deserve their 3-2 victory. Luis Sinisterra could come in after scoring the winner off the bench at Goodison Park, while Adam Smith may start at right-back in place of new signing Julian Araujo, who played for Mexico during the international break.

Bournemouth predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Kepa (GK) — Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez — Cook, Billing — Semenyo, Kluivert, Sinisterra — Evanilson

Injured: Enes Unal, Tyler Adams, Philip Billing (doubt)
Suspended: 

Chelsea could be without two right-backs in Reece James and Malo Gusto, so Maresca may be forced into something of a makeshift defence. Mykhailo Mudryk came on for Gusto against Crystal Palace, but it feels more likely that one of Tosin Adarabioyo or Axel Disasi will start in the back four.

Jadon Sancho will hope to make his debut, likely from the left wing, while Christopher Nkunku could start if Cole Palmer is not fully fit after sitting out England's wins over the Republic of Ireland and Finland.

Romeo Lavia is also an injury doubt, so the regular duo of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez should start despite long trips in the international break.

Chelsea predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Sanchez (GK) — Adarabioyo, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella — Caicedo, Fernandez — Madueke, Nkunku, Sancho — Jackson

Injured: Reece James, Malo Gusto Romeo Lavia (doubt), Cole Palmer (doubt)
Suspended: 

Here's how to watch this Premier League match across selected areas of the world's major regions: