Chelsea’s record in first games after international break as Blues prepare for Bournemouth test
Chelsea will be hoping to get back to winning ways in the Premier League against Bournemouth today, and will be relying on an impressive record after international breaks to help them.
After an exciting start to life under Xabi Alonso, the Blues are now three games without a win in the league and are coming off underwhelming results against Hull and Brentford.
The defence has come under frequent scrutiny, even when Chelsea were winning games this season. Alonso joined an unwanted club of managers when his side conceded two goals in the opening five games of the campaign.
Chelsea’s impressive record in games after international break
The Blues have had the chance to break for three weeks from the league as a result of the extended international break, with a fixture against a winless Bournemouth providing them a chance at all three points.
Chelsea have a very strong record when returning to action after an international break, winning 10 of those games since 2020.
They also boast a perfect record in their last three games after the break, with victories over Brentford, Burnley and Nottingham Forest.
Chelsea have already played Bournemouth twice in fixtures directly after an international break. They beat them 1-0 in 2024 after Christopher Nkunku’s late goal, while they drew 0-0 with the same opponent the year before, both away from home.
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While no one will have enjoyed three weeks out of action, Alonso and co will have recognised that some time off will have done plenty of their squad the world of good when it comes to their fitness.
The boss confirmed Moises Caicedo was ready to go for this game. He has not been able to start a game yet this season and has been missed greatly in front of the defence.
There is also hope that Cole Palmer may be fit to feature after the Blues decided he was better placed to not feature during the break for England.
This decision frustrated Palmer and Thomas Tuchel, but ultimately has been done by Chelsea to prioritise themselves as they look to climb up the table again.
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