Strongest Chelsea Line Up To Play Against Crystal Palace – Lampard, Torres And Oscar To Start

After the majestic 6-0 thumping of Arsenal last weekend, Chelsea now travel to Selhurst Park to take on relegation threatened Crystal Palace in Saturday’s lunch time kick off. The Blues are on top of the Premier League standings but are fully aware that Liverpool and Manchester City are in hot pursuit with the latter just behind by a couple of points with two games in hand. On paper, Jose Mourinho’s men should grab a routine win as Palace aren’t expected much to give Chelsea a scare. With a fully fit squad to choose from and the midfield running like a well oiled machine, here is Chelsea’s possible lineup against Palace.

Goalkeeper:

Petr Cech grabbed yet another clean sheet against Arsenal as the Gunners front line barely troubled him in the entire ninety minutes. The Czech International would hope he wouldn’t have to do anything much either against the Eagles who have scored only five times in their last nine games. Cech already in line for the EPL Golden glove with 13 clean sheets and by the looks of Chelsea’s strong defensive line at the back, the Czech International can muster up yet another shut out this weekend.

Defenders:

The most prominent aspect of Chelsea’s title winning credentials comes from their tight defense at the back. With a high line well effective this season, John Terry and Gary Cahill have moved in tandem, cohesively forming a strong unit. Crystal Palace’s attacking abilities have a dearth of the out and out striker and with Marouane Chamakh and Dwight Gayle out of the clash, the Eagles will find it hard breaking the away side’s resilience at the  back. Branislav Ivanovic will start in the right back slot while the brilliant and ever consistent Cesar Azpilicueta will don the left back role, continuing to impress and also keeping Ashley Cole out from the side.

Midfield:

Frank Lampard and Nemanja Matic will have to hold fort in midfield as Ramires is suspended having picked up a straight red card and serves the second of his three match suspension. Lampard, having sat out against Arsenal is expected to start this one. The English star will to move forward with his attacking abilities joining the attacking triumvirate up front. Oscar will start in his favourite number ten position while Andre Schurrle, who was terrific against Arsenal should get the nod over Willian, the latter who is back after serving his suspension. The ever dazzling and brilliant Eden Hazard will start on the left and will look to cause menace in the opposition defense.

Strikeforce:

Samuel Eto’o lasted only seven minutes against Arsenal, scoring from the one chance he had and with the Champions League tie against PSG lurking, the Cameroonian will be given a rest and instead Spaniard Fernando Torres will start.