If the outing against Manchester City was any indication, then Antonio Conte’s men are going through a huge confidence crisis; something, that they have been prone to in the recent past. The Italian gaffer has failed to lift his team up whenever needed and has taken solace in some ridiculous tactics recently which hasn’t helped with his constant frustration on the touchline. The failure to use his players in an appropriate way has often led to Chelsea’s downfall this season. Against Crystal Palace, Conte would look to avoid any more hiccups before the big midweek game against Barcelona.
Team News:
January signing Ross Barkley could be back in the team as he seems to have recovered from his hamstring injury. Midfielder Tiemoue Bakayako is back in training after a difficult month or so. Alvaro Morata’s inclusion remains doubtful as the Spaniard has struggled with his back issues.
Formation: 3-4-3
Defence:
Thibaut Courtois will start as the goalkeeper and the Belgian has performed decently in recent games.
The back three will comprise of Antonio Rudiger playing as the left-sided centre back. Rudiger has been a bit rash with his tackles at times and is always a challenge away from getting booked. Andreas Christensen has been subject to individual defensive errors in Chelsea’s last three outings and hence has to be more wary of his game now.
Cesar Azpilicueta has always been a calming influence and will look to link up well with the midfield and the fullback. He also has the responsibility of dealing with a Palace side that gets extremely physical whenever they go on the offensive.
Midfield:
Victor Moses has been underwhelming in the past few games as his end product in the final third has left a lot to be desired. However, the manager has always preferred him as the first choice right wingback and hence it is quite believable that he will start this game too.
Marcos Alonso, despite having a splendid season has made a couple of avoidable defensive mistakes. The Spaniard needs to be more alert and sharp off the ball from hereon.
Cesc Fabregas will take his place as the creator-in-chief in the Chelsea midfield as Danny Drinkwater has failed to bring his creative game into play. N’Golo Kante would be expected to win the ball back, and then initiate attacks to allow Fabregas to have the creative freedom going ahead.
Attack:
Eden Hazard needs to be shifted to the left wing, as the Belgian has looked prone to disappear and fade out of the game whilst playing as the false 9. Maybe, Olivier Giroud will play as the forward upfront and would be supported by Willian’s direct pace and approach from the right wing. Playing Giroud upfront will also help Conte neutralize James Tomkin’s presence in the penalty box.
