Enzo Maresca is likely to go back to a more recognizable starting side for Chelsea’s return to Premier League action against Bournemouth tonight.
The boss made 10 changes for the big FA Cup win over Morecambe, with a plethora of their most important players being allowed to take at least the majority of the afternoon off.
Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer were all given 90 minutes off, and will no doubt be back into the starting side when they look to get their Premier League campaign back on track.
They are without a win in four games, and the key players are going to need to be on their game to turn that around.
Josh Acheampong can save Chelsea from signing big-money defender
One player who is expected to start is Josh Acheampong, with him being part of the rested group at the weekend.
The youngster made his first league start against Crystal Palace, with Maresca saying Acheampong was Chelsea’s best player in the 1-1 draw.
Chelsea see Acheampong as a ‘world-class’ prospect, and with reports spreading that they are interested in signing a new centre-back this month, the academy graduate has the chance to save them millions in the transfer market with a good performance.
Paul Merson described Acheampong as ‘amazing’ after his first Premier League start, and will be hoping he can star again alongside Levi Colwill.
Chelsea linked with signing multiple new centre-backs
Chelsea have been reported to be interested on a number of centre-backs this month amid injuries to Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile.
Marc Guehi has been strongly linked with a return to Stamford Bridge after becoming club captain at Crystal Palace and a regular for England.
The Blues have also considered recalling Trevoh Chalobah from his loan at the same club, despite their treatment of him last summer.
Reports have actually stated Chelsea are interested in as many as seven centre-back options this summer, however Acheampong has the chance to prove they can save that money for other positions.
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