Chelsea will be hoping to start the new year with a bang when they visit Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.
Back-to-back defeats have left the Blues in fourth place in the Premier League and Enzo Maresca’s men will hardly recover at Selhurst Park. Although the title race is likely to prove too much of a challenge, they are well placed to achieve Champions League qualification in the Italian manager’s debut season.
Chelsea have an outstanding performance against Crystal Palace, but have dropped points to so-called ‘lesser’ teams in recent games. Everton, Fulham and Ipswich Town tripped the Maresco team in the Premier League.
Here’s how Chelsea could get in line for an important journey across London.
GK: Robert Sanchez – Filip Jorgensen got rare Premier League start midweek as Maresca rotated but Sanchez remains number one. The Spaniard is set to return between the sticks at a raucous Selhurst Park.
RB: A little dense – Axel Disasi’s error proved costly against Ipswich and Gusto should return to the XI after only being used from the bench at Portman Road. Reece James was among the substitutes against the Tractor Boys but will not be rushed back into action.
CB: Tosin Adarabioyo – Injuries to Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile have not helped Chelsea’s recent fortunes, but Tosin remains a competent defender. He will have his hands full with Jean-Philippe Matet though.
CB: Levi Colwill – Like Adarabio, Cobham graduate Colwill struggled with Liam Delap’s physicality last time out. He will be tested by the equally powerful Mateta at Selhurst Park.
LB: Marc Cucurella – The double act of Daniel Munoz and Ismaila Sarr could prove to be a challenge for Cucurello, who will need a lot of support from Pedro Neto. However, the Spaniard can cause problems for Munoz at the other end.
DM: Moises Caicedo – Caicedo was one of Chelsea’s better players against Ipswich and has generally offered consistency and solidity in the number six role this term. The Ecuadorian will be tasked with stifling Sarro and Eberechi Eze when they wander inside.
DM: Enzo Fernandez – Fernandez’s excellent run of goals and assists has dried up in recent outings, although the World Cup winner is still relishing his more advanced role. Last season he scored exactly in this match.
RW: Noni Madueke – Chelsea need more consistency from Madueke, who continues to blow hot and cold on the right wing. The five-capped England international should enjoy an intriguing battle with defensive-minded Tyrick Mitchell.
AM: Cole Palmer – Palmer came close on several occasions against Ipswich and is always Chelsea’s most likely cheerleader. He has scored three in his last three away games and will undoubtedly wreak havoc in Palace’s midfield and back line.
LW: Pedro Neto – Joao Felix is likely to return to the bench on Saturday, with Neto and Jadon Sancho fighting for his starting spot. The Portuguese could triumph in that duel because he wants to impress Maresca.
ST: Nicolas Jackson – Christopher Nkunku failed to shine in an increasingly unusual Premier League start at Portman Road, with Maresca’s favorite number nine returning against Palace. Jackson has nine goals in the league this season, but has scored in his last three.
READ THE LATEST CHELSEA NEWS, TRANSFER RUMORS AND GOSSIP
