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Milivojevic And Cabaye To Start : Strongest 4-2-3-1 Crystal Palace Line-up To Face Chelsea

Crystal Palace

Predicted Crystal Palace Lineup To Face Chelsea

It is time for yet another exciting weekend of Premier League football and this time, it returns after a brief international break. It was a brief break but it sure would have felt like an entire season.

This weekend, 16th placed Crystal Palace travel to Stamford Bridge to take on the league leaders Chelsea. Palace have had a difficult campaign and they are currently on 28 points, 4 points ahead with a game in hand on 18th placed Hull City.

A couple of poor weekends would surely push Palace down and it would be extremely tough for them to turn things around after that. This trip to the Bridge is certainly a daunting one and the Eagles would do well to come away with even one point.

Chelsea have been top class this season and are well placed to clinch the league title. It’s hard to see them letting it slip from here.

Team News:

Patrick van Aanholt continues to recover from an ankle injury and would not be available to face his former side, while James McArthur is a major doubt for the clash after picking up a knock in training.

Manager: Sam Allardyce

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Expected Starting XI:

Wayne Hennessey (GK)

Wayne Hennessey seems to be in good touch and Sam Allardyce would not want to disturb that. Hennessey will start.

Joel Ward (RB)

Joel Ward has played every league game this season and there’s no reason why he would not feature against the league leaders.

James Tomkins (CB)

Tomkins seems to have the trust of his manager and he will surely start against the Blues at Stamford Bridge.

Mamadou Sakho (CB)

Sakho has made a brilliant start to his Crystal Palace career after arriving on loan from Liverpool. Palace have not conceded a goal in their last 3 games and Big Sam wouldn’t be looking to fiddle with his back line for this difficult game.

Jeffery Schlupp (LB)

Patrick Van Aanholt’s unavailability will see Schlupp get his opportunity. He will hope to repay his manager’s faith by putting in a good performance.

Luka Milivojevic (CM)

Milivojevic has made a good start to his Palace career too and there is every chance of him featuring against Chelsea.

Yohan Cabaye (CM)

The classy Frenchman offers some remarkable hold on the midfield area. His experience and quality will be vital for the Eagles against the Blues.

Jason Puncheon (CAM)

Puncheon’s industry and running from midfield will be key for Palace, while his set-piece delivery will also pose a threat to Chelsea. He will partner Cabaye in the midfield.

Andros Townsend (RM)

The England international is a danger man for Crystal Palace and Chelsea will have to be wary of the threat he brings with him.

Wilfried Zaha (LM)

Without a doubt, Zaha has been the brightest spot of a dull season for Palace. Allardyce will be banking on Zaha to provide the much-needed creativity in the final third.

Christian Benteke (ST)

The big Belgian scored twice for his country against Russia during the international break and will be confident coming into this game. It will be interesting to see if he delivers against a tight Chelsea defence.

Here’s how they may line up: