Crystal Palace v Chelsea: Predicted Blues XI for London derby

Chelsea will aim to end their three game winless run when they face London rivals Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon. 

Enzo Maresca’s side had started the season strongly and sat second prior to the festive period, but a draw against Everton and defeats at the hands of Fulham and Ipswich Town have seen the Blues drop down to fourth.

The Italian will be desperate to arrest his side’s dip in form when they travel to Selhurst Park, but the Eagles will provide a stern test for his side.

Here, we predict the XI that he could select for the game.

Goalkeeper

Robert Sanchez was dropped to the bench for Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat at Portman Road last time out, but he is set to return to the starting XI on Saturday. His understudy, Filip Jorgensen, may have been unfortunate to give away a penalty against the Tractor Boys, but he may now have to wait for another opportunity in the Premier League.

Defenders

At the back, Malo Gusto could be preferred to captain Reece James at right-back. Club captain James returned to the bench against Ipswich, but is unlikely to be handed a start against Palace due to his woeful injury record over the past couple of years.

In the centre of defence, Levi Colwill could be partnered by Tosin Adarabioyo. Axel Disasi has failed to impress both at right back and centrally in recent weeks, and both Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile are out injured.

Colwill is in line to make his 51st appearance for Chelsea

Marc Cucurella has been in good form this term but failed to impress last time out, however the Spaniard is likely to start again at Selhurst Park. Renato Vega is likely to be among the substitutes, with Ben Chilwell out of the squad entirely at the moment.

Midfielders

In midfield, Maresca is likely to once again select Enzo Fernandez to partner Moises Caicedo, with the former likely to don the captain’s armband. The pair each cost over £100 million when they arrived at Stamford Bridge, but both are arguably in the best form they have been in since arriving in England. Romeo Lavia is nearing a return to action but is unlikely to start.

Caicedo has been in fine form for Chelsea this season

Cole Palmer will start ahead of the midfield duo, and will aim to add to his tallies of 12 goals and six assists in 19 Premier League matches this term.

Forwards

On the right of attack, Pedro Neto could be given the nod ahead of Noni Madueke, who has scored just once in his last 11 league games. Neto, who joined from Wolves over the summer, has a combined eight goals and assists this term.

Through the middle, Nicolas Jackson is in line to start once again ahead of Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu. Jackson has scored nine goals in 18 league games so far this season, and remains Maresca’s first choice to lead the line despite Nkunku and Guiu having netted a combined 18 goals.

Jackson has scored just once in his last five league matches

On the left, Jadon Sancho is in line to start with Mykhaylo Mudryk still unavailable.

Joao Felix, who has struggled since returning to Stamford Bridge, will likely have to settle once again for a place on the bench.