After getting back to winning ways last time around against Watford, Chelsea will face off against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Tuesday.
The Blues are fourth in the Premier League table, two points above Manchester United, and will need to ensure they don’t take the foot off the gas considering the rivals around them are on a good run.
Frank Lampard’s men have lost once since the restart, which came as a surprise against lowly West Ham United. Palace have been more consistent this season, and will also be a threat.
With games against Liverpool and Wolves still remaining for Chelsea this season, they can ill-afford to drop points against the likes of Palace. The last time these two sides met in the league, the Blues cruised to an easy 2-0 win.
Chelsea Team News: Chelsea will miss out on a few key players for the game against Palace.
Midfielders N’Golo Kanté and Mateo Kovacic will not be able to make the Chelsea lineup, while young defender Fikayo Tomori will also not be fit for the game.
Let’s take a look at how Chelsea could line up against Crystal Palace on Tuesday:
Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs Crystal Palace
Goalkeeper
Kepa will continue in goal for the Blues for Tuesday’s game against Crystal Palace.
Defence
Antonio Rudiger could be on the bench against Palace after Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen’s good display as the centre-back pairing last time around against Watford.
Captain Cesar Azpilicueta could move back to his natural right-back position, with Reece James dropping back to the bench. Marcos Alonso could take his position at left-back in the Chelsea lineup.
Midfield
Kanté and Mateo Kovacic’s absence means that Jorginho could get a start; his first minutes on the pitch since the restart. He could be joined by Ross Barkley, who had a stellar game last time around, bagging a goal and an assist against Watford.
Mason Mount should complete the midfield three. Teenager Billy Gilmour, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are other options for Lampard in the middle.
Attack
Chelsea should have an unchanged attacking line-up for the game against Palace, with Christian Pulisic starting on the left, and the experienced Willian on the opposite side.
Olivier Giroud should start as the central striker in the Chelsea lineup. The Frenchman has done well since the restart, and deserves to make the starting XI.
