Chelsea mounted an amazing comeback mid-week in the Champions League as they came from 4-1 down to draw 4-4 against Ajax.
The Blues were excellent in the second half, but manager Frank Lampard will be worried by his side’s defending in the game.
The London side play Crystal Palace at home on Saturday in the Premier League, and have the opportunity to go second in the table if they win and other results go in their favour. Palace lost their last Premier League game 2-0 at Selhurst Park.
Early Team News
Mason Mount was taken off in the game against Ajax after suffering a knock, but Lampard said it wasn’t serious. Jorginho is set to miss the game due to suspension, while Ross Barkley could return after returning to training. Antonio Rudiger is still out with an injury.
Let’s take a look at the possible Chelsea lineup for the game against Crystal Palace:
Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs Crystal Palace
Goalkeeper
Kepa made a fantastic last-minute save last time around in the Premier League against Watford, and was kept busy in the Chelsea goal against Ajax. He should continue in goal for Chelsea.
Defender
Andreas Christensen returned to the Chelsea squad for the Ajax game, but did not make it to the pitch for the Champions League tie.
Kurt Zouma and Fikayo Tomori played in defence for the game against Ajax as well as Watford. We could see one of the two be replaced by Christensen in the Chelsea lineup.
Marcos Alonso played half the match against Ajax, before César Azpilicueta switched to left-back. Emerson, who returned to the team last weekend, could replace Alonso at left-back. Azpilicueta should continue at right-back.
Midfield
Mason Mount is a doubt, while Jorginho is out due to suspension. N’Golo Kante returned to the squad against Ajax, and he could replace Jorginho in the Chelsea lineup.
If Mount is not fit, Ross Barkley could be an option, who is also set to return. Mateo Kovacic had a good game against Ajax, and he should start in midfield again.
Attack
Tammy Abraham should start as the striker, after scoring last weekend. Christian Pulisic should also start, playing from the left, while Willian could be replaced by Callum Hudson-Odoi on the right.
