Chelsea will hope to put the disappointment of the fourth round EFL Cup defeat behind them when they host Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Blues have had a mixed start to the season as they have won one, drawn one, and lost one in the three league games they have played so far. Of course, Chelsea have several new faces in their team, and building the chemistry will take a bit of time before we see the side’s best performances on the pitch.
Frank Lampard has to make sure that the players give their best, as that is the least he can do as a coach. Tactically, they can be better as well, but it’s the mistakes that have cost them dearly in their last two league games against Liverpool and West Brom.
Lampard was clear in his post-match press conference against West Brom on how the players need to cut out individual mistakes for the side to move forward.
The clash against Crystal Palace will test the players’ mettle as the Eagles have made a good start, and were unlucky in their last game against Everton as a ridiculous handball decision condemned them to their first defeat of the league.
Chelsea Team News
Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic are yet to feature this season, and it’s unlikely they will be risked with the international break coming up.
Timo Werner should be fit for the clash even though he suffered from cramps against Tottenham in the EFL Cup tie. Ben Chilwell is also in line to start after getting more than an hour under his belt against Tottenham. Mendy has had a few sessions with the rest of the players, and he too could feature.
Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs Crystal Palace
Goalkeeper
Edouard Mendy made his debut for Chelsea against Tottenham in the league cup, and is expected to make his bow in the league as well on Saturday.
Defence
Thiago Silva had a tough game against West Brom and despite all his experience, he made the terrible mistake of taking his eye off the ball for the Baggies’ second goal. The Brazilian is a model professional and a leader, and Lampard will hope the former PSG star bounces back against Palace.
Andreas Christensen is expected to partner Silva at the back in the Chelsea lineup. Chilwell should feature on the left, as Lampard was clearly not happy with Marcos Alonso’s performance against West Brom, and what happened after he was subbed off; he watched the rest of the game on the team bus. (H/t Athletic).
Reece James has done well in the right-back role, and he should once again make the Chelsea lineup.
Midfield
N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic should feature as the double pivot in front of the Chelsea defence. While the former will be expected to win the ball and put his foot in to break play, the latter will have the task of starting play from the deeper areas.
Kai Havertz should feature in the attacking midfield role in the Chelsea lineup. The German is yet to show his best form in the Premier League, but it is still fairly early and he will improve with time.
Attack
Timo Werner, Mason Mount, and Tammy Abraham should then complete the Chelsea attack. Mount missed his spot-kick against Spurs and will look to bounce back come Saturday. Abraham has combined well with the likes of Havertz and Werner, and will look to get on the score-sheet.