The predicted Chelsea line-up for this afternoon's trip to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace with the Blues looking to make it three wins on the bounce in all competitions
07:00, 25 Jan 2026
Cole Palmer and Liam Delap celebrate
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Cole Palmer and Liam Delap celebrate during Chelsea's win over Brentford(Image: Visionhaus)
Liam Rosenior insisted, when speaking to the press on Friday, that his focus was solely on this afternoon's trip to Crystal Palace. The newly-appointed Chelsea head coach is very much a game-by-game manager in his approach, but his line-up for today's match with the Eagles will tell us everything we need to know.
The Blues will play perhaps their biggest match of the season on Wednesday evening, with a trip to Napoli. Chelsea know that victory over Antonio Conte's side could well be enough - depending on how the other games go in terms of goal difference - to ensure they qualify for the Champions League knockout stages via the top eight.
It will be really interesting to see whether Rosenior rests one or two of his key players at Selhurst Park this afternoon. With that being said, Bobby Vincent does his best at trying to predict the Chelsea XI we will see in south London:
Robert Sanchez
Chelsea's No.1 goalkeeper. Sanchez would have started this game regardless, but given Filip Jorgensen has been ruled out due to the injury he sustained in the win over Pafos a few days ago, there is absolutely no doubt now.
Reece James
James started against Pafos in midfield but the Chelsea captain could be used in a more conventional right-back role this afternoon. Rosenior brought James off at the half-time break at Stamford Bridge in the week, perhaps with an eye on his skipper playing this one as well.
Trevoh Chalobah
Chalobah was given a rest in midweek and is set to return to the side this afternoon. The Cobham graduate spent the first half of last season on loan at Crystal Palace.
Benoit Badiashile
Perhaps a rest for Wesley Fofana. The Frenchman has featured in the last three Chelsea matches and with the trip to Naples in mind, his compatriot Badiashile could deputise.
Marc Cucurella
Cucurella was given a bit of a rest on Wednesday, although he did come on midway through the second-half. The Spaniard should have enough in the tank to play today and then in Italy next week.
Moises Caicedo
Likewise with Caicedo. Perhaps there is some temptation from Rosenior to rest the Ecuadorian midfielder given his significance to the side, but today's match is also very important for Chelsea.
Enzo Fernandez
Fernandez has been superb for Chelsea of late and seems to be really flourishing under Rosenior. Whether it’s in a double pivot or further up the pitch, he really seems to be getting a tune out of the Argentina international.
Estevao Willian
Estevao came on at the half-time break during Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Pafos and the Brazilian was crucial in pushing the hosts forward. It seemed that, at times, the 18-year-old winger was taking the game by the scruff of its neck to try and get the significant three points for the Blues. He deserves to start today.
Cole Palmer
Palmer was omitted from Wednesday evening's squad as a precautionary measure but is expected to return for today's match. It seems unlikely that Rosenior will use the 23-year-old for the full 90 minutes but will be hoping to find a way for him to impact the game at Selhurst Park.
Pedro Neto
Alejandro Garnacho was poor on Wednesday evening and could be dropped to the bench. Jamie Gittens was lively after coming on, but Rosenior could instead shift Neto out to the left wing in south London.
Joao Pedro
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Liam Delap struggled as the No.9 against Pafos. He may well be used from the bench this time around, with Joao Pedro pushing for a start in the capital.
Predicted XI: Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Estevao, Palmer, Neto; Joao Pedro