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Enzo Maresca confirms team news for tomorrows game against Bournemouth

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Blues boss Enzo Maresca has confirmed that he does not expect Jorrell Hato to be fit to face Bournemouth tomorrow however, expects Wesley Fofana to be in contention to feature after being an unused substitute in the defeat at home to Aston Villa last weekend.  Chelsea return to action at Stamford Bridge tomorrow evening and look to but the defeat over the weekend against Aston Villa behind them and return to winning ways as they host Bournemouth hoping to end 2025 with a win. The Blues will be without long term absentees Levi Colwill, Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia for the visit of the Cherries, with Maresca predicting that Hato will be ready to return in time from the injury which he sustained during the half time warm up against Newcastle United.  When asked about Hato at his pre match press conference which took place on Saturday. Enzo Maresca said " For Bournemouth, no I don't think he will be ready." Though the Blues defeat against Aston Villa over the weekend was frus...

Robert Sanchez's thoughts on the defensive progress and breaking Villa's stride

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Blues shot stopper Robert Sanchez has kept the joint most clean sheets in premier league this season, ahead of the visit of Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge he explains why the Blues are doing so well defensively. Robert Sanchez has kept a clean sheet in 9 out of the Blues last 17 games in the 2025/26 season and is one clean sheet away from his Spanish compatriot David Raya's tally of 10 clean sheets recorded last season. Sanchez's good form in goal for the Blues was recognised most recently when he was named in the PFA premier league fans player of the month for November. However, the Spaniard acknowledges that it is a much collective effort when it comes to stopping the opposition from scoring. When asked about this Sanchez went onto state that when he and whichever 4 it was at the back, that whoever plays, it is important that they understand each others strengths and weaknesses and that they play to help each other in order to get the best performance possible.  Sanchez then ...

Chelsea starting line-up versus Everton confirmed

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Blues boss Enzo Maresca makes four changes ahead of the Blues premier league game at home to Everton with a start for Cole Palmer  Chelsea will look to return to winning ways following their midweek defeat in the champions league away to Atalanta, with todays game against the Toffees kicking off at 3pm.  Cole Palmer comes into the side from the start as part of four changes with Alejandro Garnacho, Malo Gusto and Wesley Fofana set to be handed starts by Enzo Maresca.  The Blues start with Robert Sanchez in goal, with the Spaniard marshalled at the back four of Malo Gusto at right back, Marc Cucurella at left back  with a centre back pairing of Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah.  Skipper Reece James is partnered in midfield by Enzo Fernandez, with a three in front of them consisting of Pedro Neto on the right, Cole Palmer in the 10 and Alejandro Garnacho on the left with Joao Pedro leading the line. 

Match report - Atalanta 2-1 Chelsea

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A goal in the final 10 minutes sees the Blues lose away to Atalanta in the champions league  A dejected Chelsea team walk off after suffering a 2-1 defeat away to Atalanta Chelsea had taken a lead midway through the first half with a goal from Joao Pedro however, Gianluca Scamacca equalised early for the hosts in the second half with Charles de Ketelaere in the final ten minutes striking a shot which deflected past Robert Sanchez to hand the hosts all three points.  Five changes Having left Cole Palmer out of the squad due to Chelsea wanting to manage his workload and Liam Delap being out with a dislocated shoulder injury, the Blues were always going to make changes and there were five changes made to the side which drew 0-0 away at Bournemouth.  There was a start for Benoit Badiashile in the heart of the Blues defence over Wesley Fofana and there was a start for Josh Acheampong with the youngster starting at right back.  The three game ban to Moises Caicedo does not...

Robert Sanchez's thoughts following Chelsea's draw away at Bournemouth

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If you can't win then don't lose says Blues shot-stopper  Blues goalkeeper Robert Sanchez recognised that Chelsea were not at their best at the Vitality stadium against Bournemouth however, Sanchez was able to take some satisfaction from keeping, with Alejandro Garnacho striking the post a clean sheet that he contributed heavily towards. It finished goalless at the Vitality stadium in a contest where the Cherries started the game out on top however, Chelsea grew into and looked to be favourites to win as the game went on.  Sanchez made some crucial stops particularly in the first half  with Alejandro Garnacho striking the post and former Blues goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic doing well to keep out an effort from Pedro Neto.  In the end both sides had to settle for a share of the points which Sanchez reflected on afterwards.  Watch some of   Robert Sanchez's  saves following Chelsea's 0-0 draw away at Bournemouth. The Spaniard said ' yes of course ther...

Reece James on feeling stronger plus thoughts on Cole Palmer's return

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Reece James believes that he has learnt a lot from the difficult experiences of his injury problems and feels that he is able to put those troubles behind him now. The Blues skipper also explains his thoughts on Cole Palmers return to the pitch and explains why this is such a big boost for Chelsea.  Chelsea's Reece James celebrates a goal  The Chelsea skipper spoke ahead of tomorrow's trip to the south coast to face Bournemouth in the premier league, where the Blues hope to return to winning ways after seeing a 7 game unbeaten run come to an end with a 3-1 midweek defeat away at Leeds United.  James missed the midweek defeat at Elland Road, however shone playing in a midfield role during Chelsea's 1-1 draw at home to Arsenal and insists that he has no preference as to whether he plays in the midfield or in his familiar full back position.  When asked about this the James said " I don't really have a preference to be honest". I've played so much in both pos...

Chelsea starting line-up confirmed ahead of clash with Arsenal

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 Chelsea confirm the starting line-up ahead of todays top of the table clash against Arsenal  Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca makes one change ahead of a big London derby top of the table clash against Arsenal . Chelsea head into today's game off the back of a thoroughly dominant performance in the champions league on Tuesday dismantling Barcelona 3-0 in the champions league and are looking to clash the gap on league leaders Arsenal at the top of the table down to 3 points.  Robert Sanchez retains his spot in goal behind the same back four which started Tuesday's champions league game against Barcelona with Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana starting against the Gunners.  Reece James partners Moises Caicedo in midfield with Enzo Fernandez pushing up further forward in the advanced central midfield role and is set to be joined on the flanks by Estevao Willian and Pedro Neto with Joao Pedro set to lead the line.  More good news for Blues fans ...