Hazard To Return – Predicted 3-4-3 Chelsea Line-Up To Face Crystal Palace

Chelsea are perched right at the top of the Premier League table with an unassailable lead of six points over Liverpool and Arsenal. A winning streak of 10 games has helped Antonio Conte’s men to become the prime title contenders of the season. In the midweek fixture against Sunderland, Chelsea scraped through a 1-0 victory to maintain their winning streak.

Conte shifted to a 3-4-3 formation at Hull City after a humiliating 3-0 loss to Arsenal. The new style has born instant results and the team appear to be well settled at the moment. On Saturday, Chelsea will visit Crystal Palace and will look to stretch the winning run to 11 games, a record they achieved back in 2009.

Team News:

Although Eden Hazard missed out on Wednesday’s 1-0 victory at the Stadium of Light, it is likely that he will return to the line-up on Saturday. Conte had assured the fans that Hazard was out for only one game with a minor problem and he should take his place in the playing XI. John Terry returned to the bench after an injury layoff versus Sunderland. John Obi Mikel is still sidelined, while Oscar has also returned from injury although it is unlikely that he will start the game.

Here is the predicted Chelsea line-up that will face Crystal Palace on Saturday at Selhurst Park.

Formation: 3-4-3

Thibaut Courtois:

The Belgian goalkeeper has secured the first team place ahead of Asmir Begovic with a string of good performances. He will start the game on Saturday.

Cesar Azpilicueta:

The Spaniard has been the most consistent performer in the Chelsea defence and is one of the first names on the team sheet.

David Luiz:

The Brazilian centre-back has been rock solid in the centre of defence. He will look to retain his place at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

Gary Cahill:

Cahill has been self-assured in defence for Chelsea and also has the habit of notching up important goals. He will make into the line-up ahead of John Terry, who is yet to fully gain match fitness.

Victor Moses:

Chelsea’s discovery of the season, Moses has been a completely different player in his new position as the right wing back. He will start at Selhurst Park.

Cesc Fabregas:

The Spaniard took his chance on Wednesday when he scored the winner against Sunderland. It will be unfair if Conte starts Matic ahead of Fabregas.

N’Golo Kante:

Leicester’s hero from last season is indispensable for Conte. His takes an immense workload and is influential both in defence and attack. Kante will start the game on Saturday.

Marcos Alonso:

Marcos Alonso has cemented his place in his natural left wing back position. He proved yet again why he was in the line-up against Sunderland with a commendable performance.

Pedro:

Conte has preferred Pedro on the right flank over Willian although both are immensely capable. However, Pedro’s link-up play with Diego Costa is one of the reasons as to why he should start the game against Palace.

Diego Costa:

The league’s top scorer with 12 goals, Diego Costa has hardly laid a foot wrong so far in the campaign. He has been immaculate for Chelsea and will spearhead the attack as usual.

Eden Hazard:

Chelsea’s main man will be hoping to make a comeback to the line-up after missing out on the midweek fixture. Conte confirmed Hazard’s exclusion was only a precaution and he is likely to return on Saturday.