Predicted Chelsea XI v Bournemouth: Successive losses could force Hiddink to ditch youngsters

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Chelsea will be hoping to bounce back from successive defeats when they travel to the Vitality Stadium to face Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

The Cherries are all but mathematically safe from relegation, but the Blues have little to play for either at this stage of the campaign after the disastrous defence of their title.

But will Guus Hiddink continue his experimentation with Chelsea’s youngsters or revert to more established names after their 3-0 rout at the hands of Manchester City?

Here, CaughtOffside predicts the lineup that Hiddink will pick against Bournemouth…

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GK: Asmir Begovic

Hiddink will be forced into at least one change. Thibaut Courtois was sent off – for the second time this season – against the Citizens. Fortunately, Chelsea have an excellent deputy in Bosnian Begovic.

RB: Cesar Azpilicueta

Has started more Premier League games for Chelsea this season than any other player – 31.

CB: Gary Cahill

The 30-year-old is playing for something – potentially a starting spot for England at Euro 2016.

CB: Branislav Ivanovic

The Serbian will continue to wear the captain’s armband in the absence of injured skipper John Terry.

LB: Baba Rahman

Has not convinced anybody in his first season at Chelsea. Will not have it easy up against Matt Richie.

CM: John Obi Mikel

Hiddink has experimented with youngsters but always found a place for the veteran Nigerian in his side.

CM: Nemanja Matic

Chelsea were easily picked off on the counter-attack against Manchester City. Hiddink might want to think about recalling Matic for extra protection, but that is not good news for Ruben Lofus-Cheek…

AMC: Cesc Fabregas

Although Loftus-Cheek has played in a more advanced role in his recent mini-run in the team, the 20-year-old is more likely to be sacrificed for Matic, with Fabregas being moved further forward.

AMR: Willian

The Brazilian returned from a short layoff at Stamford Bridge last weekend, but put in one of his worst performances of the season. He has been Chelsea’s best performer. He should not let himself down now.

AML: Pedro

The decorated Spaniard might have other things on his mind at this stage of the season – keeping himself fit to ensure that he makes the squad as his country chase a third successive European Championship.

ST: Diego Costa

Has six goals and six assists in the Premier League since the turn of the year. Man City did not see that type of form last week, but nobody would bet against Costa being in the thick of the action on Saturday.

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More Stories asmir begovic Baba Rahman Branislav Ivanovic Cesar Azpilicueta Cesc Fabregas Diego Costa Gary Cahill John Obi Mikel Nemanja Matic Pedro Willian