Chelsea are on an impressive run of form as they have won their last five encounters in the Premier League. Next, they will host Crystal Palace at the Stamford Bridge after playing out an entertaining 4-4 draw against Ajax in the midweek game.
Crystal Palace have dropped to the ninth spot on the table, but one would still maintain that they are enjoying an excellent start to the Premier League so far. However, it wouldn’t be an easy task for the Eagles to contain the Blues at home. Chelsea though have some weakness in opening up teams who like to sit back deep and defend in numbers. Therefore we could be in for a tight encounter.
Team News: Mason Mount was taken off in the second half against Ajax, and he is a doubt for this tie. However, Lampard has downplayed the severity of the injury so it could be touch and go. Ross Barkley is also a minor doubt for this clash. Antonio Rudiger and Ruben Loftus Cheek are surely going to miss out. Jorginho is suspended for this tie after he picked up his fifth yellow card against Watford.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup Vs Crystal Palace
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Kepa Arrizabalaga will continue in goal for the Pensioners. He will be shielded by the defensive pairing of Fikayo Tomori and Kurt Zouma. Club captain Cesar Azpilicueta will start at right-back once again. Marcos Alonso’s defensive work has once again come under the scanner, but we expect him to keep his place at left-back.
Midfield
N’golo Kante should return to the lineup after he was an unused substitute against Ajax. He should play in the deepest role in midfield. Mateo Kovacic is likely going to be the other midfielder. Both Mason Mount and Ross Barkley are slight doubts for this tie. If Mount recovers then he will probably start to complete the midfield three. If both Barkley and Mount are unavailable, then Billy Gilmour could get the nod to start in midfield.
Attack
Callum Hudson-Odoi only played as a substitute against Ajax so he should be relatively fresh for this weekend’s game. He will be expected to start in the left-wing role. Willian could be preferred over Christian Pulisic on the right because of the Brazilian’s work rate. Wilfried Zaha will be a significant threat, and Chelsea’s right-winger might have to help his team in defence from time to time. Tammy Abraham is a nailed-on starter to lead the line for the Blues.
