Jackson, Sancho, and Neto in Attack – Predicted 4-2-3-1 Chelsea Lineup vs Crystal Palace

01/04/2025 04:00 AM

Chelsea aim to turn their season around this Saturday as they head to Selhurst Park for a crucial London derby against Crystal Palace.

Following an impressive streak of eight consecutive Premier League wins, the Blues have hit a roadblock, going three matches without victory during the congested festive season. They were held to a 0-0 draw by Everton, lost 2-1 to Fulham at home, and were then stunned 2-0 by newly promoted Ipswich Town at Portman Road.

Now sitting fourth and 10 points behind table-toppers Liverpool, Enzo Maresca needs to rekindle his team's spark by beating Crystal Palace, who defeated Southampton 2-1 at home in their previous outing.

Chelsea Team News

Wesley Fofana remains sidelined with a hamstring issue, while Benoit Badiashile is still unavailable for the foreseeable future. Romeo Lavia will likely still miss out as he recovers from a hamstring injury. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall remains doubtful due to a knock.

Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper

Filip Jorgensen conceded a penalty at Portman Road which Liam Delap coolly converted in the 12th minute. However, the 22-year-old should again get the nod ahead of Robert Sanchez to start in goal.

Defence

Chelsea's options at the back have been limited owing to Fofana and Badiashile's injuries. Tosin Adarabioyo should line up alongside Levi Colwill at the heart of the defence, trying to keep Jean-Philippe Mateta at bay.

A last-minute winner the last time we visited Palace! 🙌#CRYCHE 23/24 👊 pic.twitter.com/SMXdIp1jFU

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 3, 2025

Malo Gusto did not start the previous game and should come back into the Chelsea lineup. He will replace Axel Disasi at right-back, with Marc Cucurella certain to retain his spot at left-back.

Midfield

Enzo Fernandez is likely to start alongside Moises Caicedo in midfield. The South Americans have to take control of the game at the earliest to help Chelsea dominate Palace.

With Fernandez and Caicedo behind, Cole Palmer should get the license to pick up pockets of spaces behind the home side's midfield and create chances in the final third. Being the Blues' creator-in-chief, the onus will be on the England international to carve open the Palace defence.

Attack

Jadon Sancho and Pedro Neto are likely to replace Joao Felix and Noni Madueke on the left and right flank, respectively in the Chelsea lineup. Quick and creative, the two wingers could cause problems for the Palace wing-backs.

Up top, Nicolas Jackson should replace Christopher Nkunku. The Senegalese is Chelsea's top scorer and should be itching to score at the weekend. Madueke, Felix, and Guiu will get minutes to impress off the bench.

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