Chelsea will clash heads with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon, hoping to pick up all three points away from home. The Blues will be heading into the contest on the back of a stunning 2-1 victory over Palmeiras, whereas the Eagles recorded a 0-0 draw with Brentford on February 12.
Team News
Mason Mount was forced off with an unfortunate injury just thirty minutes into the Club World Cup final. However, it is not related to the muscle problem he had picked up against Plymouth Argyle a week earlier, as per Chelsea’s official website.
“He was injured,” Thomas Tuchel stated.
“In one of the very first scenes he made a run to the second post with Cesar Azpilicueta and they fell and his opponent fell on his ankle and he hurt his ligaments badly.”
“So we’ll have to see. He came straight to me and said it does not feel good, it feels very stiff and painful, and he did not know if he can continue so we had to make the decision.”
Reece James and Ben Chilwell are expected to remain on the sidelines.
The German tactician will probably opt for the 3-4-3 formation; however, he is expected to make a couple of changes for the upcoming contest. Hakim Ziyech might get the nod over Mason Mount in attack, whereas Jorginho looks likely to make his way back into the starting eleven.
3-4-3 Chelsea Predicted Lineup Vs Crystal Palace
Defence
Edouard Mendy is expected to start between the sticks for the upcoming clash. The Senegalese shot-stopper will hope to put up a strong performance and secure a clean sheet on Saturday.
Thiago Silva is expected to start at the heart of Blues’ backline, whereas Antonio Rudiger will feature at the left centre-back spot. Malang Sarr will fulfil the right centre-back position.
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Midfield
Jorginho and N’Golo Kante might fulfil the holding midfield positions, with the former occupying a more central role. The pair would be looking to dominate the midfield proceedings.
Callum Hudson-Odoi will start at the left wing-back position, whereas Cesar Azpilicueta will fill in on the other flank as the right wing-back. The duo would be expected to stretch Chelsea’s attacks in the opposition half.
Saul Niguez will have to settle for a place on the bench, but he could be brought on in the latter stages of the game if needed.
Attack
Kai Havertz and Hakim Ziyech will slot into the attacking midfield roles. The duo would be determined to set up some clear-cut goal-scoring chances for the front-men.
Romelu Lukaku might lead the line for Chelsea this weekend. The 28-year-old striker will be hoping to find the back of the net when he faces off against the Palace defence that conceded five goals in their last five matches across all competitions.
Christian Pulisic might come on to make a cameo appearance in the second forty-five minutes.
