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Strongest Possible Chelsea Line Up To Face Crystal Palace: Costa Returns, Mikel To Start

Chelsea didn’t really do all that great against Manchester United a few days ago. The 0-0 draw was actually a missed opportunity for the home side to heap more pressure on Guus Hiddink and Chelsea as it was the Manchester team that had most of the better chances in the entertaining stalemate.

Chelsea do not have much time to recover and will now have to deal with an away trip to Selhurst Park. Crystal Palace had won at Stamford Bridge a few weeks ago and Alan Pardew would be looking to do the double over Chelsea and keep them rooted to the lower reaches of the league table.

Chelsea will be without Radamel Falcao as the Colombian picked another injury but there is some good news as Diego Costa would be available to start for the Blues as he returns from his one match suspension.

With Chelsea needing the points to at least move away from the danger of relegation, here is the predicted starting XI for the Blues.

Thibaut Courtois

Courtois did pull off some excellent saves in the last game against Manchester United and should be starting for the Blues.

Branislav Ivanovic

The Serbian certainly has picked up his performances since the start of the season and he will start against Palace but will have to be wary of the likes of Bolasie and Zaha tormenting him.

Kurt Zouma

Zouma was at his best against Manchester United and with Gary Cahill a doubt for the game, he could well be a long term solution for Chelsea in the heart of the defence.

John Terry

John Terry must be at the top of his game if he is to ensure that Chelsea come away from Selhurst Park with a clean sheet and that will be tough against a well-drilled Crystal Palace side.

Cesar Azpilicueta

Azpilicueta is one of the best left-backs in the country and he should start against the Eagles.

John Obi Mikel

The Nigerian seemed to be on his way out in the summer but he has fought his way back into the team and with Cesc Fabregas a major doubt for the game, he could well start for the Blues.

Nemanja Matic

With Cesc Fabregas a major doubt for the game, it would be Matic and Mikel pairing in midfield, which might be a little defensive but certainly could give them a chance of doing well against a high flying Palace team.

Willian

The star of the season for Chelsea, Willian will be hopeful of a better showing against Crystal Palace and leading his side to the much needed three points away from home.

Oscar

Oscar has been handpicked by many pundits to change Chelsea’s season and the Brazilian will be looking forward to the game against Palace and make a positive difference for the Blues.

Eden Hazard

The Belgian didn’t look all that great against United but should start for the Blues on his familiar left wing role instead of a false nine.

Diego Costa

With Costa missing the last game, he is a sure shot to start in this one and could well be looking to score a goal or two after bagging a brace against Watford.