Chelsea will take on Crystal Palace on the 25th of January at Selhurst Park.
Chelsea travel across south London looking to extend their winning run under Liam Rosenior to three consecutive matches in all competitions. The Blues are unbeaten in their last 16 Premier League meetings with Palace, a run stretching back to 2017.
Following their 1-0 Champions League win over Pafos in midweek, Chelsea sit sixth in the Premier League table with 34 points from 22 games. They returned to winning ways in the league last weekend with a 2-0 victory over Brentford, strengthening their bid for Champions League qualification. The Blues are just one point off the Europa League places and remain firmly in the hunt for a top-four finish.
Their opponents, Crystal Palace, are in crisis. The Eagles are winless in their last 10 matches in all competitions, losing their last three league games. They sit 13th in the table with 28 points, having dropped four of their last six matches. Palace have been rocked by the departure of captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City, manager Oliver Glasner confirming he will leave at the end of the season, and top scorer Jean-Philippe Mateta informing the club he wishes to depart Selhurst Park.
That said, here is how Chelsea could line up against Crystal Palace.
Predicted Chelsea lineup vs. Crystal Palace
Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez
Filip Jorgensen picked up an injury against Pafos in midweek after being withdrawn at half-time, leaving no doubt about Sanchez’s position in the starting lineup. The Spaniard has produced stronger performances this season but remains capable of dropping a clanger.
Defence: Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella
Reece James
Reece James
Reece James was also withdrawn at half-time against Pafos, sparking concern among supporters, but he should be fit to start at right-back. Tosin Adarabioyo is absent due to a hamstring injury sustained against Brentford, meaning Chalobah partners Fofana at centre-back. Marc Cucurella returns at left-back after being rested in midweek. Levi Colwill is continuing his recovery from the serious knee injury he suffered in pre-season and won’t return until spring or summer.
Midfield: Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez
The midfield pairing picks itself with both fit and available. Caicedo provides defensive stability while Fernandez offers creativity and ball progression. Romeo Lavia has been out since suffering a thigh injury in November and is back in light training but not yet with the first-team group. Rosenior confirmed the midfielder is looking really good in his rehab but warned they won’t push him too hard. Dario Essugo also remains unavailable.
Attack: Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Alejandro Garnacho, Joao Pedro
Cole Palmer has been sweating over his fitness after missing the midweek win over Pafos due to groin discomfort. However, Rosenior confirmed the attacking midfielder has a “really good chance” of featuring against Palace and should return to his number 10 role. Palmer completed the full 90 minutes against Brentford but sparked concern at full-time when he was spotted on the floor feeling his heavily-strapped groin. Estevao Willian and Jamie Gittens both returned from illness to feature off the bench against Pafos and provide options. Pedro Neto should start on the left wing with Alejandro Garnacho on the right. Joao Pedro leads the line after scoring three goals in his last four league starts, including against Brentford last time out.