Antonio Conte to make one change – Predicted 3-4-3 Chelsea lineup to face Crystal Palace
After succumbing to losses against Manchester United and Manchester City, Premier League defending champions Chelsea will play host to Crystal Palace on Saturday. Roy Hodgson’s men have been struggling lately and are now without a win in their last 4 matches. This should be a fairly easy encounter for the Blues as Antonio Conte’s men will be hungry to pick up three precious points after a dry run of sorts.
Team News
David Luiz is out with an ankle injury and Tiemoue Bakayoko will also sit this one out after picking up an injury while training ahead of the match against Manchester City. Meanwhile, N’golo Kante missed out on the game against Manchester City after fainting in training and it is unsure as to whether or not he will feature for this one.
Predicted Chelsea XI to face Crystal Palace
Manager: Antonio Conte
Formation: 3-4-3
Thibaut Courtois (GK)
Courtois’ distribution was rather off against Manchester City but this will be a good chance for redemption. He has been quite solid throughout the season and will be looking to maintain a clean sheet against Palace.
Gary Cahill (CB)
With Rudiger at risk of picking up a suspension, Conte is expected to deploy Cahill ahead of him.
Cesar Azpilicueta (CB)
A solid part of Chelsea’s back line, Azpilicueta is likely to essay his usual role on Saturday.
Andreas Christensen (CB)
Christensen continues to go from strength-to-strength for the Blues and he should be a part of the starting XI over the weekend.
Victor Moses (RWB)
Moses’ energy on the right flank can often unlock several opportunities for Chelsea and he performs his defensive duties quite admirably as well.
Marcos Alonso (LWB)
Alonso has easily been one of Conte’s key men this season and he is expected to reprise his usual role on Saturday.
Danny Drinkwater (CM)
Drinkwater put in a shaky performance against Manchester City but with Kante’s inclusion a major doubt, the former Leicester City man could be deployed in this position.
Cesc Fabregas (CM)
Fabregas is likely to partner Drinkwater in the heart of the midfield and his experience will prove to be crucial.
Willian (LW)
With Hazard playing as the striker lately, Willian has featured quite often and is, once again, expected to take up this role on the left side.
Pedro (RW)
Pedro has not exactly been consistent this season and his flaws were harshly highlighted in the previous match. However, the player should be able to do well against a struggling Palace side.
Eden Hazard (CF)
Lack of service from the wings has proven to be rather cumbersome for the Belgian attacker but he can make a difference. Thus, Conte is expected to deploy him against Palace.
