'We Need' - Xabi Alonso Issues Chelsea Warning To Squad For Bournemouth

Xabi Alonso has addressed his Chelsea players ahead of their Premier League clash against AFC Bournemouth.

Chelsea are back in action on Saturday afternoon after the three-week international break. They host the Cherries at Stamford Bridge, and are looking to end a run of three league games without victory,

Their last league victory came back on August 30 when they sealed a thrilling 4-3 win over Brighton and Hove Albion in west London.

Since then, Chelsea has suffered two defeats and a draw in the league, with their only win coming against Leeds United in the Carabao Cup. 

It leaves Chelsea currently in 10th place and needing a win to boost the mood, as Alonso continues to settle into life in the capital after his summer appointment. 

They ended the first part of the season with a 3-0 defeat to Brentford before the international break, so the Blues are fully focused on getting back to winning ways.

Alonso has been boosted by the returns of Reece James, Marco Palestra, Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro, who are all available for selection for Saturday's fixture.

Injuries have hurt Chelsea already this season, so Saturday will now allow the hosts to use absentees as an excuse if they drop points to Marco Rose's side.

Bournemouth head into the Chelsea clash as one of three sides (Fulham and Tottenham) yet to claim a league win this season. 

Regardless of Bournemouth's form, Alonso insists it will be a 'tough test' for his side.

On what Chelsea can expect from the visitors, Alonso told reporters: "Tough test. So intense, high tempo game, very demanding. They have very clear ideas of what to do with Marco and previously with Andoni. The core of the team is quite the same."

The message from Alonso to his players is loud and clear. He knows winless runs build pressure and that his side 'need' to win given the recent run of form.

"Every time you play Bournemouth, it is tough to play against them," stressed the Chelsea boss on Friday, "but it's at home, we need to have a good game and we want to win, we need a win. We're getting ready for (Saturday)."

Chelsea's first focus needs to be on the defence. If they don't concede, they don't lose games. But their record in the first five games is a concern. They have the worst defensive record in the league, conceding 12 goals, more than two per game on average. They have netted 10 goals, averaging two per game. But against Brentford, it proved unsustainable when they failed to score.

Given Bournemouth are yet to win, if Chelsea become the first team to hand them three points, the groans will get louder, and the upcoming October fixtures won't get any easier, Everton, Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United all await.