Reece James and Denis Zakaria have both been handed starts for Chelsea against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.

James makes his first appearance for the Blues since suffering a knee injury versus AC Milan in October, while Zakaria is finally given his first top-flight minutes since a loan switch from Juventus in September.

Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is able to return from a foot injury sustained at the end of October, while Kai Havertz gets the nod over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Graham Potter has seemingly opted for a 4-3-3 formation, with Marc Cucurella returning to the side to replace youngster Lewis Hall.

Jorginho features in midfield, with Conor Gallagher having to make do with a spot among the replacements, while Omari Hutchinson could make his Premier League debut from the substitutes' bench after impressing in the Under-21s and during the World Cup break.

Thiago Silva and Kalidou Koulibaly both start after their regular appearances at the World Cup, resulting in Trevoh Chalobah only being selected on the bench.

Chelsea will move to within six points of fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur with a game in hand if they can end their three-game winless streak versus the Cherries.

Chelsea: Arrizabalaga; James, Silva, Koulibaly, Cucurella; Zakaria, Jorginho, Mount; Sterling, Havertz, Pulisic
Subs: Bettinelli, Azpilicueta, Chalobah, Humphreys, Hall, Chukwuemeka, Gallagher, Hutchinson, Aubameyang

Bournemouth: Travers; Smith, Kelly, Senesi, Zemura, Stacey, Cook, Lerma, Billing, Solanke, Moore
Subs: Plain, Stephens, Christie, Marcondes, Rothwell, Lowe, Siriki, Pearson, Anthony

Written by
Darren Plant