Enzo Maresca has several team selection decisions to make this weekend (Image: Getty)
Chelsea secured their first three points of the season last weekend when they cruised to a 6-2 victory over Wolves at Molineux.
Noni Madueke stole the show for the Blues, bagging a hat-trick to keep up his good form – which has been rewarded by interim England manager Lee Carsley handing him a call-up to the senior squad for the first time.
Chelsea are set to host Crystal Palace on Sunday in what looks set to be a fierce encounter between the two London clubs. Express Sport takes a look at how Enzo Maresca’s side could line up at Stamford Bridge…
Chelsea’s predicted XI vs Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Sanchez
Maresca has made it no secret that he believes that Robert Sanchez is his No .1 in the Premier League, and the Italian’s stance is unlikely to have changed after two matches. Filip Jorgensen started for the Blues against Serviette, indicating that he remains the cup competition goalkeeper.
Christopher Nkunku may be dropped for the clash with Palace (Image: Getty)
Defence: Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella
Chelsea have a significant crop of defenders, though those who appear to be second-choice have struggled to stake their claim as to why they should start against Palace.
Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo, Axel Disasi and Renato Veiga formed a back four which conceded two against Serviette on Thursday night, and therefore the quartet who started against Wolves are unlikely to have any fears about their spot in the starting eleven.
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Noni Madueke has been in flying form over the past few weeks (Image: Getty)
Moises Caicedo was withdrawn against Wolves at half-time due to injury, but his second-half cameo in midweek appeared to indicate that he is fit and firing. Christopher Nkunku played 90 minutes against Serviette and therefore looks set to drop to the bench, with Palmer’s one goal and three assists last weekend showcasing why he is best utilised as a No. 10 rather than on the wing.
Forwards: Madueke, Jackson, Neto
It has taken Chelsea a season-and-a-half to get Madueke firing, and therefore Maresca is unlikely to drop him this weekend on current form despite the winger playing 62 minutes on Thursday. In contrast, Mykhaylo Mudryk has struggled to justify the faith of his manager and underwhelmed once again against lesser opposition in Serviette. Thus, new signing Pedro Neto could be in line to start his first Premier League fixture for the club.
