After a successful week in Abu Dhabi, where they were crowned world champions, Chelsea return to Premier League action with a tricky trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The Blues snapped a four-game winless run in the Premier League with a 2-0 victory against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur last time around. But they remain 16 points behind leaders Manchester City, with their title hopes all but over.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, are languishing in 13th, having failed to win any of their last five league outings. The going will not get any easier for Patrick Vieira’s side, who have lost their last eight games against Chelsea in all competitions.
The last time these two sides met, Chelsea cruised to a 3-0 victory.
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea will be without Mason Mount and Reece James for this fixture. Mount is recovering from an ankle injury and is targeting a return for the Carabao Cup final next Sunday, while James has not yet returned to team training following a hamstring injury. Ben Chilwell is a long-term absentee.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek is available for selection after missing the trip to Abu Dhabi.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper
Edouard Mendy is back from international duty and will replace Kepa Arrizabalaga in the Chelsea lineup. Although the Spaniard did a decent job deputizing for the Senegal international, Mendy is the undisputed first-choice.
Defenders
Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen are almost guaranteed to start in central defence. The third centre-back spot is a toss-up between Trevoh Chalobah and Thiago Silva. The Brazilian played in the win against Palmeiras and could be rested for Chalobah.
Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs Crystal Palace
With Ben Chilwell unavailable, Marcos Alonso will start at left wing-back. The Spaniard contributes heavily in attack, although his defensive capabilities leave a lot to be desired.
Cesar Azpilicueta should get the nod at right wing-back. The Spaniard has started each of Chelsea’s last seven games in all competitions.
Midfielders
N’Golo Kante played all 120 minutes against Palmeiras and given his recent injury record, could be rested for this game. Mateo Kovacic will likely replace the Frenchman in midfield and partner Jorginho.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek is also pushing for a start, but is unlikely to get the nod.
Attackers
Romelu Lukaku will lead the line for Chelsea. The Belgian netted in both Club World Cup games and will look to carry his form into the Premier League, where he has not scored since December.
With Mount ruled out, Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz will likely support Lukaku in attack. Ziyech has scored in each of Chelsea’s last two league games, while Havertz netted the winner against Palmeiras in extra time.