Olivier Giroud to lead the line? – Predicted Chelsea line-up to face Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup

Chelsea return to Carabao Cup action as we face Bournemouth for a place in the semi-finals. Maurizio Sarri has chopped and changed their side around in the two cup competitions so far, and we should expect some of our fringe players to get minutes against the Cherries.

The Blues play their next two games at Stamford Bridge, and we would need to be at our best given that the Cherries are enjoying a fine Premier League campaign.

We have some relatively easy clashes coming up in the next two weeks or so, and a win against Bournemouth will give us additional confidence for the festive run.

Chelsea have a real chance of winning this competition, and here is our predicted line-up for the Blues.

Predicted Chelsea XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Manager: Maurizio Sarri

Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK)

The Spanish goalkeeper doesn’t seem like the finished article yet, and more games for Chelsea should help him grow.

Davide Zappacosta (RB)

The Italian should start as our right-back and given Cesar Azpilicueta a break in the defence.

Gary Cahill (CB)

Cahill hasn’t played too many games for us this season but he should start on Wednesday.

Andreas Christensen (CB)

The Danish defender wants more playing time at the Blues, and the Carabao Cup and Europa League are his best bets for now.

Emerson Palmieri (LB)

Emerson has done a pretty good job for us in the cup competitions and should start against a quality side.

Cesc Fabregas (CM)

The Spanish star should start in place of Jorginho as he controls the tempo for the Blues.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek (CM)

Loftus-Cheek has picked up important minutes as a sub in recent Premier League games, and this is a great chance for him to play against a top side.

Ross Barkley (CM)

Barkley needs to play regular games for the Blues, and he should start against Bournemouth on Wednesday.

Willian (RW)

The Brazilian hasn’t hit the heights from previous seasons and needs to perform for the Blues against the Cherries.

Olivier Giroud (ST)

With Alvaro Morata and Eden Hazard having knocks, Giroud should start for Chelsea on Wednesday.

Read more: Chelsea contemplating move to send £120,000-a-week star out on loan in January window

Callum Hudson-Odoi (LW)

The youngster deserves more minutes for the first-team and this is the perfect time to test him against Premier League opposition.