Chelsea play their final match before the international break on Sunday when they host London rivals Crystal Palace.
Chelsea host Crystal Palace tomorrow afternoon in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge, and they’ve got a remarkable recent record against their opponents this weekend. The Blues have actually won their last 14 consecutive games against Palace across all competitions.
Enzo Maresca’s side were beaten in midweek by Servette, but they still with the European tie to qualify for the Conference League group stages. Chelsea fans were critical of Benoit Badiashile’s performance on Thursday night, though.
GK and defence
Robert Sanchez gets the nod in-between the sticks again after starting the opening two matches of the league season. As for Filip Jorgensen, it looks like he’s the goalkeeper for the cup competitions.
We think it could be the same defensive line that started last weekend’s 6-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Malo Gusto continues as the right during Reece James’ absence, both through suspension and injury. However, speaking via Football.London this week, Maresca suggested James should be available after the international break.
Marc Cucurella starts on the opposite side as the left-back with the instruction to invert into midfield when the team have possession.
We expect the new-look partnership of Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill to continue at centre-back, where hopefully they can tighten up a bit.
Midfield
With Romeo Lavia still out injured, Chelsea’s midfield currently picks itself.
Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo will surely be the central midfielders selected on Sunday, with the latter playing a little bit deeper.
Attack
Noni Madueke is surely a shoe-in to start again on the right wing following his hat-trick versus Wolves.
Similarly, Cole Palmer must be the first name on the team sheet. He’s proved his worth in the No.10 position last weekend, scoring one goal and assisting all three of Madueke’s goals.
We think the only change to the XI that started at Wolves will be Mykhailo Mudryk dropping out to make room for Pedro Neto. Neto, the £54m attacker (Sky Sports) could come into the side as a huge threat on the left wing. If so, it would be his first league start of the season since he joined in the summer from Wolves.
Finally, Nicolas Jackson completes the line-up as the main senior striker at the club.
Predicted Chelsea line-up vs Crystal Palace
4-2-3-1 (Out of possession)
Sanchez
Gusto Fofana Colwill Cucurella
Caicedo Fernandez
Madueke Palmer Neto
Jackson
3-2-4-1 (In possession)
Sanchez
Gusto Fofana Colwill
Caicedo Cucurella
Madueke Palmer Fernandez Neto
Jackson
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