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Chelsea team news: Sky Sports pundit reveals surprise at one Maurizio Sarri decision
SKY SPORTS pundit and co-commentator Alan Smith admits he expected Ruben Loftus-Cheek to start for Chelsea against Crystal Palace today.
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Loftus-Cheek is yet to start a Premier League game for Chelsea this season.
However, the England midfielder has impressed in recent weeks, especially in the Europa League.
Loftus-Cheek scored a hat-trick against BATE Borisov and then netted off the bench in the 4-0 win at Burnley in the Premier League last weekend.
The 22-year-old started the Carabao Cup win over Derby on Wednesday and was substituted midway through the second half.
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He came off after about 67 minutes and at that point I wondered ‘well, maybe he’s saving him for Sunday’
Smith thought that was an indicator Loftus-Cheek would start against Crystal Palace, the team he spent last season on loan at.
However, when the line ups were released at 3pm, Loftus-Cheek was only named on the bench.
Speaking before that news, Smith explained how the midfielder was utilised in a slightly different role by Sarri against Derby.
“Well I commentated on the game against Derby in the week and I thought he was Chelsea’s best player actually,” Smith said.
“He came off after about 67 minutes and at that point I wondered ‘well, maybe he’s saving him for Sunday’. It will be interesting.
“He’s got Willian and Pedro, he played in an advanced position, Loftus-Cheek, on the right-hand side of the attacking three. So that’s an option.
“But yeah he’s got Willian and Pedro as well who both turned out against Burnley last week.
“It would be great if Loftus-Cheek could play and it would be another step in his advancement here.”
Chelsea star Eden Hazard has missed the last three games due to a back injury.
However, he was named alongside Loftus-Cheek on the substitutes bench against Palace.
Alvaro Morata was once again given the nod up front, with Pedro and Willian either side of the Spaniard.