Chelsea are hosting a relegation-riddled Crystal Palace at the Stamford Bridge on Saturday. The Blues are coming off a 1-0 loss to Manchester City at the Etihad and the team looked less than impressive.
The Blues produced a surprisingly negative display and failed to have a shot on target in the match as Bernardo Silva’s goal less than a minute into the second half sealed the game and pushed Manchester City 18 points clear at the top and closer to the title.
Antonio Conte was at the end of heavy criticism from fans and pundits alike, with Garry Neville going on full blast to call Chelsea’ performance “absolutely unacceptable”. Even Jamie Redknapp had his say by stating Conte’s style of management to be “a crime against football”.
While the criticism could be seen as way too harsh for only a 1-goal loss, the effort that Chelsea put up against the league leaders were shambolic.
However, the time is now to bounce back to winning ways against a side who are equally low on morale after the 2-3 loss to Manchester United earlier this week.
Roy Hodgson’s side are in the 17th spot of the points table, a point adrift of safety and they will be eager to charge at the top-four challengers with every ounce of energy they have in them.
United were taken back by the performance the Eagles put in the last game and had to rely on the brilliance of Nemanja Matic to make a comeback. If they can replicate that same feat, Chelsea will have a fight in their hands.
Here is how Antonio Conte might field his team on gameday.
Formation: 3-4-3
Defence
Thibaut Courtois is the number one choice to appear in between the sticks. The Belgian international might get fielded behind the defensive trio of Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christiansen and Cesar Azpilicueta.
As seen in the match against Barcelona in the Champions League, the defence has been their best source of success for the entire season and the backline will be tested against a motivated Palace side.
Midfield
Cesc Fabregas and N’Golo Kante are the predicted starters in the holding midfield role. Victor Moses is expected to start in the right fullback position with Emerson Palmieri getting his debut start on the left.
Attack
Eden Hazard and Willian should get the nod in the flanks while Alvaro Morata takes up the number nine role. Hazard is better suited to the wing itself which was evident in the last fixture against Pep Guardiola’s men.
