Chelsea will be looking to bounce back from their defeat against Servette during the week with a win when they take on Crystal Palace later.
Enzo Maresca made loads of changes for the 2-1 loss to Servette, and you would expect him to do the same for today’s London derby.
The likes of Joao Felix and Pedro Neto did not play in the Conference League, but the two arguably deserve starts this afternoon after their performances against Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend.
Both players came off the bench to combine for Chelsea‘s sixth goal in the Blues’ 6-2 victory at Molineux.
Joao Felix deserves a shot up front
With Chelsea failing to sign a striker on deadline day, there is a good chance of Felix playing up front in some games for Maresca’s side this season.
Maresca believes Felix can play as a No.9, so it would not be a total surprise if he was used as one later from the start of Chelsea’s clash against Palace.
Jackson came on in the second half of the Blues’ defeat to Servette and missed some chances, while Felix did not feature at all.
However, the 24-year-old did get some minutes in the win at Wolves and managed to score. So did Jackson, but having played in the Servette game and failed to take his chances against them, perhaps it is worth giving Felix a try after his impact last weekend.
Who will start up front against Crystal Palace?
While you can certainly make a good case for Felix deserving an opportunity to lead the line for the Blues later, Jackson will probably get the nod.
Again, while he could not convert against Servette, he did score and assist versus Wolves. Maresca is also happy with Jackson, something the Chelsea manager confirmed during the week.
Chelsea did not get their striker on deadline day. But with the likes of Felix, who cost his current employers £45m, and Christopher Nkunku able to play as a No.9, Jackson should have a bit more competition and support this season.
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