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Antonio Conte generally rotates against beatable cup competition. He most notably did this against Everton (albeit the worst Everton side in years) and there is no reason to expect different against Bournemouth in a busy period. Chelsea take a brief diversion from the Premier League for a taste of Carabao, which in fairness tastes rather bad in anything other than Cup form. Victory here would propel Chelsea into the semifinals for the first time in three seasons. The Blues already beat the Cherries once this season, Eden Hazard’s lone goal early in the second half enough for Chelsea to collect all three points at Dean Court. Conte opted for a 3-4-3 that day despite the unavailability of N’Golo Kanté through injury (Fàbregas-Bakayoko comprised the two-man midfield).
Kanté is now back, but is riding a streak of 10 consecutive starts — longest active streak outside of Courtois’ 12 in a row — so perhaps a rest is in order? One player who ensured that he would get a rest is Marcos Alonso, who smartly picked up his fifth yellow of the domestic season on Saturday and will thus serve a one-match suspension. David Luiz is probably the only other player unavailable. Chelsea have the early kick-off on Saturday on very short turnaround away to Everton. The U23s have a game on Tuesday which could yet speak to the availability of several youngsters, such as Ethan Ampadu or Dujon Sterling.
GK WILLY CABALLERO1, Argentina
Caballero (and all back-up keepers at big clubs) knew what he was getting into when he joined Chelsea because he already experienced it at Manchester City. He will serve as a veteran behind the scenes until the rare run out against a cup opponent. So far in his appearances his has ranged from nervy (Nottingham Forest) to excellent (Everton), and Conte will hope he comes down on the excellent end of the spectrum.
CB ANTONIO RUDIGER2, Germany
Cup matches are some of the few and best times to give Cesar Azpilicueta a rest. Against Southampton, he was the shakiest of the defenders and that trend has been increasing in recent matches. Rudiger will get the start as he has in previous cup matches. The German has shown a lot of promise this season. He may not finish the season as a starter with the way others are playing, but he is a vital rotation option that most teams would envy.
CB ANDREAS CHRISTENSEN27, Denmark
David Luiz is still out until the transfer window opens and he is magically healed en route to somewhere else. Ethan Ampadu’s brief cameo for the first team in the back three did just enough to invite fear of putting him there from the start. So Christensen continues to start. Giving him a rest is lower priority compared to other positions but it is an issue Conte and Chelsea will want to keep an eye on as the transfer window approaches.
CB GARY CAHILL24, England
In every League Cup game this season, the same back three has started. There is no reason to assume that the Bournemouth match will be any different. Cahill will get another start as one of the older veterans in a young team. He was at his best against Southampton and even his most consistent detractors took notice. The truth is he rarely plays too far below that level anymore, and that is why he keeps starting while wearing the armband.
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