The story so far :
Chelsea face rock-bottom team Crystal Palace today and will be looking to see through the 90 minutes comfortably, as their opponents have been totally listless thus far. Chelsea are third on the table and are playing the chasing game at the moment, behind Manchester City and Manchester United who seem unstoppable, unplayable at times. They have a packed schedule now with Roma and Watford coming home on the 19th and 21st of this month respectively.
Latest team news :
Eden Hazard has quoted, “I will miss some games, I will play bad for some games. I just want to play football and try to bring the best of me.” The Belgian, however, scored a brace for his country and looked at his best.
Chelsea will be without Alvaro Morata who picked up a grade two hamstring tear but seems to be already training light in spite of Spanish medical staff saying he could be out for one and a half months.
They are without N’Golo Kante too who is suffering from a hamstring injury, as he hobbled off while playing for France.
Danny Drinkwater remains out.
Predicted line up : (3-4-3)
GK: Thibaut Courtois
He will start in goal for Chelsea. He had easy games during the international break and wasn’t tested much.
LCB: Gary Cahill
Cahill will lead the side and organise his men. He is brave, smart and a sharp tackler.
CB: David Luiz
The Brazilian is available after his 3-match ban and will take up his place in the centre of the defence.
RCB: Cesar Azpilicueta
Ever consistent, ever so strong. He is a sure starter and a top performer.
RWB: Victor Moses
After helping Nigeria earn a spot in the World Cup, Moses will return to Cobham full of confidence. He is expected to enjoy playing higher up the pitch and provide width to the Chelsea attack against this Palace side.
CDM: Cesc Fabregas
In the absence of Kante, a lot of responsibility will be on his shoulders.
CDM: Tiemoue Bakayoko
One of the strongest, his strength is exciting and useful for Chelsea. He will surely start.
LWB: Marcos Alonso
No doubts here. He will play more as a winger against the narrow backline of Crystal Palace.
RW: Pedro
Willian was preferred over him against City but couldn’t impress.
LW: Eden Hazard
He needs to get back to his best if Chelsea are to win this season, considering the competition.
ST: Michy Batshuayi
He will replace Morata. He isn’t as mobile but is strong and a good finisher.
