Chelsea predicted lineup vs Crystal Palace - Premier League | OneFootball

Chelsea will hope to kick off the new year with a bang when they visit Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.

Successive defeats have seen the Blues slip to fourth in the Premier League and Enzo Maresca's men will be eager to bounce back at Selhurst Park. While a title charge is likely to prove too challenging, they are well placed to achieve Champions League qualification in the Italian manager's debut season.

Chelsea have an exceptional record against Crystal Palace but have dropped points to so-called 'lesser' teams in recent matches. Everton, Fulham and Ipswich Town have all tripped up Maresca's side in the Premier League.

Here is how Chelsea could line up for an important journey across London.

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

Nicolas Jackson should return to the starting XI / Visionhaus/GettyImages

GK: Robert Sanchez - Filip Jorgensen got a rare Premier League start midweek as Maresca rotated but Sanchez remains number one. The Spaniard should return between the sticks at a raucous Selhurst Park.

RB: Malo Gusto - Axel Disasi's error proved costly against Ipswich and Gusto should come back into the XI after only being used from the bench at Portman Road. Reece James was among the substitutes against the Tractor Boys but won't be rushed back into action.

CB: Tosin Adarabioyo - Injuries to Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile haven't helped Chelsea's recent fortunes but Tosin remains a competent defender. Will have his hands full with Jean-Philippe Mateta, though.

CB: Levi Colwill - Like Adarabioyo, Cobham graduate Colwill struggled against the physicality of Liam Delap last time out. Will be tested by the similarly powerful Mateta at Selhurst Park.

LB: Marc Cucurella - The double act of Daniel Munoz and Ismaila Sarr may prove a challenge for Cucurella, who will need plenty of support from Pedro Neto. The Spaniard can cause Munoz issues at the other end, however.

DM: Moises Caicedo - Caicedo was one of Chelsea's stronger performers against Ipswich and has generally offered consistency and solidity in the number six role this term. The Ecuadorian will be tasked with stifling Sarr and Eberechi Eze when they drift inside.

DM: Enzo Fernandez - Fernandez's excellent run of goals and assists has dried up in recent outings, although the World Cup winner is still enjoying his more advanced role. He scored in this exact fixture last season.

RW: Noni Madueke - Chelsea need greater consistency from Madueke, who continues to blow hot and cold on the right wing. The five-cap England international should enjoy an intriguing battle with the defensively-minded Tyrick Mitchell.

AM: Cole Palmer - Palmer came close on several occasions against Ipswich and is always Chelsea's most likely to spark joy. He's scored three in his last three away matches and will undoubtedly cause chaos for Palace's midfield and backline.

LW: Pedro Neto - Joao Felix is likely to return to the bench on Saturday, with Neto and Jadon Sancho fighting for his starting berth. The Portuguese may triumph in that particular duel as he looks to impress Maresca.

ST: Nicolas Jackson - Christopher Nkunku failed to sparkle on an increasingly uncommon Premier League start at Portman Road, with Maresca's preferred number nine returning against Palace. Jackson has nine goals in the league this season but has blanked in his last three.