Cucurella, Sanchez And Chalobah To Start | 4-2-3-1 Chelsea Predicted Lineup Vs Crystal Palace

Chelsea will lock horns with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park this Sunday as they look to secure a good result on the road in the Premier League. The Blues managed to earn a narrow 1-0 win over Pafos recently, which should keep them in good spirits going into this clash.

Liam Rosenior will set his team up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and is expected to make a lot of changes to his first team for this game. Marc Cucurella, Robert Sanchez and Trevoh Chalobah could all play from the start of this contest.

4-2-3-1 Chelsea Predicted Lineup To Face Crystal Palace

Defence

Robert Sanchez will operate in goal for the West London club after he was rested in midweek. Trevoh Chalobah will function alongside Benoit Badiashile at the heart of the Chelsea backline as they look to keep a good shape at the back during the 90 minutes.

Reece James will try to put in a good performance as the right-back, while Marc Cucurella hopes to prove his worth on the other side as the left-back. Both of them will have to perform their defensive duties well before trying to offer some support to their teammates up top.

Malo Gusto and Wesley Fofana will offer cover for the defensive positions on the bench.

Chelsea
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 21: Joao Pedro of Chelsea looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between Chelsea FC and Pafos FC at Stamford Bridge on January 21, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Midfield

Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez will operate as the holding midfielders as they look to win the 50-50 battles at the centre of the park.

The gifted trio of Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, who is a concern ahead of this game, and Estevao will play just ahead of them as part of the Chelsea attack. All three of them need to link up with each other well if the Blues are to come out on top this weekend.

Andrey Santos and Jamie Gittens will have to settle for a place on the bench as they wait for their chance to make an impact in the second 45 minutes if needed.

Attack

Joao Pedro will spearhead Chelsea’s attack up top. He has to figure out a way to cause a lot of headaches for the Palace centre-backs this Sunday.

Liam Delap will be named on the bench and might come on to influence the game in the final quarter if required.