Chelsea

Dale Johnson
Football issues correspondent

Imagine a world where Manchester City had not used "sham contracts" to build a team capable of winning three Premier League titles, one FA Cup and three EFL Cups.

If City were the winners, then there had to be losers - and not just those teams who finished runners-up or lost cup finals.

The potential impact runs much deeper and includes missed Champions League qualification, relegation and Premier League prize money.

Thirty-five other teams played in the English top flight between 2009 and 2018.

And every one could in some way claim to have been left financially out of pocket.

Learn more about how the numbers were calculated here

On the latest episode of BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, the panel discussed Jordan Henderson's place in Chelsea's midfield alongside Moises Caicedo.

Former Premier League winger Andros Townsend said he loves everything about the 36-year-old, including the "simplicity to his game".

"He doesn't think that he's something he's not. He keeps it simple and he keeps it ticking," Townsend added.

"He's a fabulous signing. For a young squad, he gives them the perfect experience and quality. Him and Caicedo can certainly provide a good partnership moving forward."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Very few Chelsea fans will know what USDC is or who is behind it.

The reaction to the announced partnership last month was largely one of relief from supporters after Chelsea had started a fourth consecutive season without a front-of-shirt sponsor in place.

That was largely because the club stuck to its £50m valuation before eventually agreeing a deal with Circle Internet Group.

However, the agreement is currently for one season only and has also prompted questions about whether USDC - a regulated stablecoin designed to maintain parity with the US dollar - or parent company Circle as a cryptocurrency business, are suitable partners for the club.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Circle chief business officer Kash Razzaghi said while it uses the same blockchain technology that underpins cryptocurrencies, USDC is not a type where people "speculate and hope to get rich quick".

On the sponsorship deal with Chelsea, he added: "This is something we hadn't done before and we wanted to ease into it in a way that allowed us to understand what success looks like.

"But the intention absolutely is for it to be long term."

Referring to what made Chelsea attractive, Razzaghi added: "The places around the world that need digital dollars the most tend to be emerging markets in Latin America, Africa, South-East Asia and the Middle East.

"When you think about Chelsea, and the fanbase and reach it has in those regions, the partnership made a lot of sense for us."

Chelsea will need to pay at least £50m to tempt Barcelona into selling Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong, 29, in January. (Football Insider), external

The Blues are willing to meet Bournemouth's asking price for 23-year-old England midfielder Alex Scott in January, although the Cherries are still hopeful he will sign a new deal. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Shakhtar Donetsk chief executive Sergei Palkin says Chelsea's Stamford Bridge gives the club the best platform to show that Ukraine remains "alive" during a difficult period in the country's history.

The Ukrainian champions have not played at their Donbass Arena home in Donetsk since 2014 and have staged their home European fixtures in Poland, Germany and Slovenia since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Travelling for European matches remains a challenge for Shakhtar, but the club chose London, around 2,000km from its base in Kyiv, to host matches against AEK Athens, Sporting, Fenerbahce and Real Madrid.

After considering Brentford and Fulham as potential venues, Shakhtar selected Chelsea's Stamford Bridge, which is available because the club are not involved in European competition this season.

"We decided: let's move to England," Palkin explained. "There are a lot of Ukrainian refugees and a lot of Ukrainians living here.

"London is the football capital of the world. It's the biggest marketplace for players.

"For our young players to play at this level in a legendary stadium like Stamford Bridge provides extra motivation and can bring positive results.

"I first contacted [Chelsea co-owner] Behdad Eghbali and said: 'What do you think about this idea - playing Champions League matches in your stadium?'

"The reaction was positive. Step by step, it became a reality. Chelsea were very professional."

Sources at Chelsea say the agreement is non-commercial in nature, but Shakhtar hope to average 30,000 fans across the four matches.

Everything about Shakhtar's visit to London has been carefully planned. There will be trips to schools, invitations for people to watch their Uefa Youth League matches at Chelsea's academy stadium, Kingsmeadow, as well as access to open training sessions for Ukrainians living in exile.

In addition, Shakhtar's shirt will feature the slogan "Invest in Ukraine" alongside sponsor SCM (System Capital Management) during the Champions League campaign.

Palkin added that Shakhtar have a "very good connection" with their fans in England, adding the club is "stable" financially but suffering the human reality of operating under war conditions.

He speaks of a drone strike visible behind and close to the club's senior women's team during a televised match, which ultimately caused the broadcast to be suspended.

Meanwhile, the club's under-12 and under-13 teams were moved to western Ukraine amid escalating tensions in the war.

"We are representing our country and want to be visible for Ukraine," added Palkin.

"We need support from the democratic world.

"We cannot fight alone. Part of our role when we play in London and other cities in Europe is to send these messages and remind people what's going on."

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Chelsea and Bournemouth.

Here are some of your comments:

Chelsea fans

Alan: It was a good, entertaining game, with Rogers and Henderson on fire. I still held my breath every time the ball got anywhere near our defence, which needs to seriously sort themselves out. Another game where our club captain James was not present. I think we need a new, more permanent club captain.

George: That performance has given me hope that we can still compete for at least a Champions League place this season. Much better compared with the Brentford match.

Phil: Much better from Chelsea apart from 10 minutes after the goal. Our front three are the best in the league - if others, like Henderson, can chip in with a few then we will beat most teams.

Keith: Generally a very good performance, but I still fear for us when playing the better teams. Defensively, we looked more solid but there is still work to do. Lacroix isn't the answer bceause he is slow and not commanding in the air for such a big man.

Bournemouth fans

Simon: The performance was reminiscent of our Scott Parker episode; utterly dismal and lost. We couldn't keep possession, couldn't string three passes together and had no outlets to find our strikers. It's hard to see how get ourselves out of this mess.

Patrick: Dismal display of second-rate football. We've lost our mojo from last season. We need some significant changes to our style of play if we're going to stay up.

Jools: A strong dose of reality. The Cherries are never good after an international break. With our best players missing we look bang ordinary. This might be a hard position to escape from.

James: I know it sounds unambitious but as long as we finish at least 17th this season I'll be happy. Ultimately we are among teams much much bigger than us and we compete well most of the time. We also need to remember it took Andoni 10 games to get his first win and things turned out well in the long run.

Chris Wise
Final Score reporter

Image source, Getty Images

The cameras were flanking a smiling Jordan Henderson at the end of Saturday's big win over Bournemouth. He got the first and the last goal of the game, and was Chelsea's everything in between.

For those who questioned why Chelsea bought 36-year-old Henderson, just show them this game. Two superb goals, but a display of leadership, calmness and experience too - something that Chelsea have perhaps been lacking at times in recent seasons.

In terms of what Xavi Alonso needs right now, Henderson ticks all the boxes. The dynamism can come from the talent that surrounds him.

It was the first time we saw him paired with Moises Caicedo in Chelsea's midfield too. That could be a partnership that flourishes in the weeks ahead.

Speaking on Match of the Day, Alan Shearer explains why the performance of Moises Caicedo was pivotal in Chelsea's 5-1 win against Bournemouth in the Premier League.

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

There is a strong argument that Chelsea find it easier to cope without the creativity of Cole Palmer than without Moises Caicedo's ability in possession and his knack for breaking up play in midfield.

In his 150th appearance for the club, Caicedo lasted 72 minutes.

His withdrawal for Romeo Lavia was planned, but the Ecuador international still made a significant impact.

Xabi Alonso deployed him in a deep role, dropping into the middle of the back three when Chelsea were in possession and allowing young defender Josh Acheampong to push forward.

He misplaced just two passes and recorded the highest pass-completion rate of any Chelsea starter. He also made and won more tackles than any other Chelsea player on Saturday afternoon.

With Caicedo in the side, Chelsea have won 48.1% of their Premier League matches. Without him, that figure drops to 25%.

Alonso said: "You always want to have Moises on the pitch. With him, we have a better midfield area and when you are better in the middle, you have a more complete team.

"I think that is something to build around. With the players that we have up front, they are solid in defence as well. So, I'm happy that Moises is feeling better because he's going to be a key player for us. We knew that."

The alternative options in Chelsea's midfield include captain Reece James, who is able to play in defence, along with substitutes Romeo Lavia and Valentin Barco, who did not make the matchday squad.

It is most likely Reece James who will be attempting to re-take his place from Jordan Henderson when back, but the diagnosis on his knee issues remains uncertain.

Chelsea remain a work in progress and conceded again through poor set-piece defending for Evanilson's goal.

However, if Henderson and Caicedo can help eliminate the defensive lapses, Chelsea can begin to look up the table, with Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Palmer already helping to make them the Premier League's top scorers.

Alonso said: "I think that they help each other well and they give presence, they give stability.

"You know that they are going to be the ones that are going to be helping the rest, not just for their qualities because they understand the game. They can play in shorter spaces but as well defensively they give good balance."

Former England striker Alan Shearer told BBC Sport: "Caicedo makes a difference. There's no doubt about it. He gives Chelsea a bit more solidity and stops the ball getting into the back four.

"He and Henderson have worked really well, the opening goal being a good example. He definitely makes them more solid, I've been really impressed."

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

There was a moment in the 30th minute against Bournemouth when Cole Palmer accidentally pushed Ryan Christie into a collision with Moises Caicedo, with the Chelsea midfielder coming off worse.

After spending a few moments on the ground, the Ecuador international got to his feet to applause from the Stamford Bridge crowd.

The reaction was one of relief from the home supporters, who have been concerned about Chelsea's midfield options during the opening weeks of the season.

Caicedo had played only 14 minutes this season after suffering a recurrence of a calf problem during his substitute appearance against former club Brighton.

Meanwhile, his midfield partner Jordan Henderson had been recovering from an arm injury sustained at the World Cup with England after he fell awkwardly while jumping over an advertising hoarding during celebrations following a win over Mexico.

Having tried four different midfield combinations and named the same pairing in consecutive matches only once, Chelsea were able to start Henderson and Caicedo together for the first time.

Henderson impressed during his first full appearance for the club in the win at Brentford before the international break.

He was also signed for his leadership qualities as one of three players aged over 30, alongside Danny Welbeck and Emiliano Martinez, recruited to add experience to what had been the Premier League's youngest squad last season.

However, Caicedo is widely regarded as one of Chelsea's most important players, particularly after the club failed to sign any of their midfield targets on transfer deadline day.

Having conceded a league-high 12 goals in their opening five matches before Saturday, Chelsea allowed just one against Bournemouth, their lowest tally in a game against Premier League opposition this season.

A clean sheet still eludes them, but manager Xabi Alonso will be encouraged by the greater solidity provided by Caicedo and Henderson in midfield, as an attack featuring Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Palmer continues to deliver.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, spoke to BBC Match of the Day after his side's victory against Bournemouth: "I wouldn't say it was a crazy game. There were different moments. We were in good control of the game. After conceding there were 10 minutes when the game could have finished in a more close way. The fourth goal was really important. It has been a good performance and a good win.

On Jordan Henderson: "He's been using the international break to practice his free-kicks. We have seen Moises Caicedo in alongside Hendo. Normally when you have a balance and a strong midfield the team is in better shape."

On no Premier League clean sheet since January: "It will come. Today we were close. A win with a clean sheet will come."

On Cole Palmer signing a new contract: "I'm delighted for Cole. He is a top player. We have him for many years. He can be one of those players who is remembered for many years in the future."

Chelsea midfielder Jordan Henderson, also spoke to BBC MOTD: "It's a good day, my home debut. It's nice to be at Stamford Bridge and play. We started both halves really well. I felt the concentration and focus for the majority of the game was very good. You always want to start fast. But you need to be consistent throughout the game. I felt we were more solid."

On his goal straight from a free-kick: "I've been working on it in training for the last week or two. Morgs [Morgan Rogers] wasn't too happy but then said 'go on then'. Cole [Palmer] said 'which corner are we celebrating in when you score?'. I'm thankful to Cole and Morgs for letting me take it. I've been pretty consistent with it in training."

Did you know?

• At 36 years and 115 days, Jordan Henderson became the oldest Chelsea player to be directly involved in three goals in a Premier League game, overtaking Gianluca Vialli (33y 245d).

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Chelsea's performance

What did you make of Bournemouth's display?

Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Monday for a selection of your replies.

There are six games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Arsenal v Leeds United (12:30)

• Aston Villa v Brentford - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Chelsea v Bournemouth - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Ipswich Town v Fulham

• Sunderland v Brighton

• Manchester United v Tottenham (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated.

Follow all of the action and reaction here

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Bournemouth have not won yet under Marco Rose, and they are also without key midfielder Alex Scott for a while as a result of his injury on international duty.

I feel like the Cherries have been a bit unlucky with their results under Rose so far, because they have conceded some costly late goals, but Scott's absence is a huge blow for them.

Chelsea are already turning into a team that are a nightmare to predict - defensively they have got huge issues, but they have got such a talented attack.

Some people thought they would be up there challenging for the title, but they look far too inconsistent to do that.

Anything could happen in this game and I was tempted to say Bournemouth will get something out of it.

But Cole Palmer will be rested and refreshed after his injury so I am going to base my prediction on how I expect Chelsea's frontline to click.

Sutton's prediction: 3-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Noel Sliney
BBC Sport senior journalist

Chelsea seek a return to form at the expense of Bournemouth, who are winless in the league this season as well as in the past nine meetings between the clubs – although the three most recent occasions all ended in draws.

Baffling Blues

Widely lauded after opening the season with two entertaining wins, Chelsea have nosedived to mid-table and eight points off the top three games later.

"We have dropped our consistency and our competitive mentality," bemoaned head coach Xabi Alonso in the wake of the 3-0 loss at Brentford immediately prior to the international break. That defeat was Chelsea's 11th of 2026 in the league, already one more than in the entirety of last year.

Chelsea's defensive shortcomings have been much discussed. They have faced the most shots on target (32), let in a league-high 12 goals and could become only the third team in Premier League history to concede twice or more in each of their opening six games of a season, after Everton in 1994-95 and Derby County in 2000-01.

Furthermore, the Blues' current run of 21 league fixtures without a clean sheet is their longest since a club record 31-match streak between 1960 and 1961.

Nonetheless, Chelsea's attacking potency means they are providing great entertainment, for neutral observers at least. Their top-flight games have produced an unrivalled 22 goals and they are just the 10th side to both score and concede double figures across their first five Premier League matches in a season. Each of the previous three, beginning with Chelsea themselves in 2019-20, went on to finish in the top four.

Scott injury bites Cherries

It has also been a curious start to 2026-27 for Bournemouth, who won on their European debut away to Real Sociedad and are through to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup – but remain without a victory in the league despite only trailing for 45 minutes this season.

They now face a run of nine games in 30 days without key midfielder Alex Scott, who was the subject of a failed £64m bid from Chelsea in the summer. He gave an assured display on his first senior England start against Croatia last weekend but suffered a thigh muscle injury during that 7-0 win.

"He is good in everything, and to miss a player who is good in everything is a challenge," admitted Bournemouth head coach Marco Rose.

That assessment of Scott's importance is borne out by the fact he ranks in the Premier League top five this season for a variety of metrics, including winning possession, fouls won and total distance covered.

Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge (15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Alonso confirmed Moises Caicedo, who has only played 14 Premier League minutes so far this season, is available to face the Cherries: "Yes, he is ready to go. Finally. Anyone would miss a player of his quality and importance. We have missed him, for sure, and we are happy he is back and he feels better. We didn't want to take risks for Brentford, for example, but he feels much better."

• He also confirmed Reece James, Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Marco Pallestra have trained and are "ready to go". However, winger Jamie Gittens will be out for "a few weeks" with an ankle injury picked up on duty for England Under-21s.

• More on Palmer, who withdrew from the England squad to manage his workload: "He has trained this week and feels better. The most important thing for Cole is to be fully fit and enjoying his game. For the next part, we have a good feeling with him and he is feeling better."

• Asked whether young defender Josh Acheampong is pushing for more opportunities, Alonso said: "He has played already a few games. He is ready, for sure, to play. He did well with the England Under-21s. He is playing more maturely and more aggressively, knowing what it takes to play in the Premier League. He has played and will play again."

• On winger Estevao Willian's lack of Premier League minutes so far this season: "It's still early in the season. Este is feeling much better from the injury. He has played for Brazil, the context is different, but we know the demand of the Premier League. He will have his moments in some games and more minutes."

• On the departure of sporting director Laurence Stewart: "Laurence helped us a lot and I am thankful for that and I wish him the best. I don't think it will change much with our working structure and communication."

• On the challenge posed by the Cherries: "A tough test. So intense, high tempo game, so demanding. They know what they're doing with Marco [Rose] and previously with Andoni [Iraolo]. The core of the team is the same. We need to have a good game and we need a win."

• Alonso was asked for his opinion on the guilt verdicts handed to Manchester City in regards to breaking Premier League financial rules: "For sure, it is a decision but we need to be patient. We need to wait for the final sanctions from the panel. I think they are independent enough to assess all the situatons. I am not an expert, whatever I say and whatever opinion I have they are the ones to take it. We need to respect the decision and we have to be patient for sure."

• Asked if his players are talking about the City news, he replied: "I don't think so. We don't have information. Our situation doesn't change. We need to focus on our own situation and what we can control. But, for sure, we will see what happens in the right moment. We need to be respectful."

Listen to full live commentary of Chelsea v Bournemouth on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

As with all the 19 other Premier League clubs, this week's pre-match news conferences will be overshadowed by Manchester City's guilty verdict on the breaches of financial regulations, external.

As City continue to fight the case by lodging an appeal, the league resumes and, for Chelsea, there are more questions than answers.

New manager Xabi Alonso suffered a 3-0 defeat at Brentford before the three-week international break, and there are major concerns about his side's inability to keep goals out against top-flight opposition.

During the break, Chelsea also lost 2-0 to Championship side Portsmouth in a behind-closed-doors friendly.

The pressure is building before Bournemouth's visit to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with the Blues sitting 10th in the table.

Alonso could be boosted, however, by the return of several injured players, including Joao Pedro, Moises Caicedo, Marco Palestra and Emmanuel Emegha.

Cole Palmer also withdrew from England duty and was criticised by manager Thomas Tuchel over his availability for the national team.

Meanwhile, Jamie Gittens was injured while representing England Under-21s.

Chelsea's poor form may be the main question, but some of those returning players could provide the answer.

Come back to this page later on Friday for all the key lines from Alonso's pre-Bournemouth news conference.