Premier League giants Chelsea will be looking to put an end to their three game winless streak across all competitions when they welcome Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace to Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon. The Blues’ most recent result saw them crash out of the Carabao Cup, after a penalty shootout defeat to London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. It was the first time that Jose Mourinho has beaten Frank Lampard since he became the manager of Chelsea, and the English legend is sure to be determined to bounce back in the right manner.
Chelsea’s Premier League campaign hasn’t started in the most comfortable of fashions, as they’ve only managed to pick up four points from their first three outings. Having beaten Brighton on the opening weekend, a defeat to Liverpool and a draw against West Brom have raised various questions about the manager’s quality. With the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham also struggling to find form, it’s essential for Chelsea that they return to full flow at the earliest possible occasion.
Team News
The Blues still have several first-team players out injured, and that’s sure to be a concern for Lampard. With that said though, the upcoming international break could come as a blessing in disguise for Chelsea. Ben Chilwell and Edouard Mendy both made their full debuts against Spurs in midweek, while Thiago Silva played no part. Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic still remained sidelined with injury, and although they could possibly return to the roster, it’s unlikely that they will play any part in the match on Saturday.
Here Is The Predicted 4-3-3 Chelsea Lineup Vs Crystal Palace:
Predicted 4-3-3 Chelsea Lineup Vs Crystal Palace
Defence
Senegalese international goalkeeper Edouard Mendy made his Chelsea debut in their Carabao Cup exit on Tuesday. Despite not saving a single penalty in the shootout, the former Rennes man showed himself in an excellent light over the course of the ninety. Mendy could hence be handed his first ever Premier League start on Saturday. In front of him, expect Thiago Silva to return to the eleven, alongside the dominant presence of French defender Kurt Zouma. Reece James and Ben Chilwell are expected to start in the full-back slots.
Midfield
Mateo Kovacic didn’t have the most influential of matches against Tottenham, but the Croatian international is expected to retain his place in the side for the game against Palace. N’Golo Kante could be preferred in the second midfield slot, with Italian passmaster Jorginho likely to drop down to the bench. Mason Mount was the player that missed the decisive penalty against Spurs, but Lampard’s penchant for the former Derby County man means that he is expected to start as well.
Attack
The Blues’ front-line hasn’t been firing on all cylinders just yet, and that is largely down to the apparent lack of creativity from wide. With Ziyech and Pulisic both injured, expect Lampard to stick with his other new signings down the flank. Kai Havertz could be deployed down the right side, where he will be required to link up with Reece James. Timo Werner should take up the left-sided role, which then means that English striker Tammy Abraham is expected to lead the Chelsea line once again this weekend.
