Conte to ring changes for Cherries clash
CHELSEA manager Antonio Conte will rotate his squad for Wednesday's League Cup quarterfinal but has warned his players they should be ready to 'suffer' against a wounded Bournemouth side looking to bounce back from a Premier League defeat.
Conte has involved his fringe players in the competition this season but believes Bournemouth will pose a tough challenge as they look to respond to a 4-0 league hammering by Liverpool at the weekend.
"Bournemouth is a good team and we must be prepared to suffer and fight a lot to go through to the next round," the Italian told a news conference yesterday.
"We played against Everton and we did this (made changes). We won the game and went through to the next round. I hope, tomorrow as well."
Brazilian midfielder Kenedy is likely to add to his two starts in the competition while midfielders Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ethan Ampadu and defender Dujon Sterling could feature.
"Every competition is serious and I think our task is to try to win the game and reach the semifinal. At the same time I think it's right in this competition to give the opportunity to the players who are not playing regularly.
"I have to trust my players not just with words but facts. I want to give them a big opportunity in a big game to show me they deserve to play."
Mi d f i e l d e r Charly Musonda is out with a groin injury while Spanish striker Alvaro Morata could be rested with back-up Michy Batshuayi taking his place. Defender David Luiz continues his recovery from a knee injury. — Reuters.