Conte has the blues over Chelsea position

Chelsea’s Premier League title defence has stalled and they now trail leaders Manchester City by nine points ahead of today’s visit to Bournemouth, a club whose position in the table Antonio Conte describes as “not right”.

Conte admits the champions are negotiating a difficult start to the campaign following a succession of injuries to key players such as Eden Hazard and N’golo Kante.

“We have to try to overcome this period because don’t forget that from the start of the season we have faced a lot of problems,” he said.

“Our start in this season wasn’t lucky for many reasons but we are doing well and we have the points we deserve in the league and are doing well in the Champions League. We are doing a big work.”

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola will likely change most of Manchester City starting 11 as the Premiership leaders bid for an eighth successive Premier League win at West Brom.

City made nine changes against Wolves in midweek, with only Sergio Aguero and Bernardo Silva retaining their places, so the likes of goalkeeper Ederson, centreback Nicolas Otamendi and David Silva should be among those coming in.

Arsenal could welcome back Shkodran Mustafi for the visit of Swansea.

The Germany international has been missing with a hamstring problem but has returned to full training and could be involved.

Manager Arsene Wenger made 11 changes for the Carabao Cup win over Norwich but a host of first-team regulars will return with Santi Cazorla (ankle), Danny Welbeck and David Ospina (both groin) still sidelined.

Liverpool could be without playmaker Philippe Coutinho for their clash with Huddersfield who will be looking for another big scalp after shocking Manchester United last weekend.

The Brazilian has missed training this week with an adductor problem and is touch and go.

Manager Jurgen Klopp must decide whether to stick with Dejan Lovren in defence after his horror show against Tottenham. Sadio Mane, Adam Lallana and Nathaniel Clyne remain sidelined.

In the day’s two other games, Crystal Palace entertain West Ham and Watford face Stoke at Vicarage Road,