The Premier League is finally back after a three-week break. Chelsea host 17th-placed Bournemouth on October 10 at Stamford Bridge, in the second 3pm (UK) kick-off of the season so far.

New boss Xabi Alonso has had a mixed start in the dugout, with two wins, two defeats and one draw. The Blues are currently on a run of three games without a victory, so this weekend feels particularly big.

With October looking particularly tough on paper, any momentum Alonso can build would likely benefit his side in the long run. This month, the Blues face Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Manchester United, in addition to their match against the Cherries.

The west London side have gone three matches without a win and have also faced recent injury concerns around key midfielder Moisés Caicedo. Neither Cole Palmer nor João Pedro joined their respective national teams for the recent international break, raising expectations for improvement.

The Blues have received good news heading into the fixture, as Alonso has confirmed that Caicedo, Palmer, João Pedro, Reece James and Marco Palestra are all in contention to take on the south coast side. This gives the boss a massive boost, as he could select his strongest team for the first time this season. However, the boost also brings added expectations, with increased pressure to secure three points and climb the table.

One player who will be absent is Jamie Gittens, who sustained an injury while on U21 international duty. The Spanish boss told reporters that the winger had “picked up an injury to his ankle” and would be out for a few weeks.

Aside from the fact that Chelsea’s recent results haven’t been up to standard, going three matches without a victory can be seen as a normal part of the early stages of a process. However, if the Blues were to fail to beat an injury-hit Bournemouth side, who will be without the likes of Alex Scott, Eli Kroupi and Justin Kluivert, questions will begin to surround the squad, with the spotlight firmly on Alonso.

After the Bournemouth fixture, the world champions head north to take on Everton. The Blues haven’t beaten the Toffees away from home since 2022, so heading into that game without a victory in four matches would be a daunting prospect.

Chelsea’s prolific attack of Palmer, João Pedro and Morgan Rogers went into the international break in hot form. With Rogers continuing to offer attacking output for England while on international duty, it is vital that this hot streak continues in west London. Of the 10 goals Chelsea have scored in the Premier League so far this season, nine have either been scored or assisted by the Blues trio.

With Chelsea blanking against Brentford just before the break, it’s imperative that they prove it was just a one-off. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s leaky defence, statistically the worst in the division, continues to raise more questions than answers. Caicedo and Palestra’s returns could provide some much-needed clarity.