Then back to back first division After losses to Fulham and Ipswich Town, Chelsea will look to bounce back in matchday 20 of the Premier League on Saturday, January 4 at 3:00 p.m. UK time. His first match of 2025 sees the blues Visit Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace.
Enzo Maresca could make a number of changes after he made some rotations in the team against Ipswich in the last game. Here's a look at how the team could line up against the Eagles on Saturday.
goalkeeper – Robert Sánchez is likely to replace Filip Jorgensen between the sticks. The Danish goalkeeper made an unusual start to the Premier League in Chelsea's previous match.
Defenders – James Reece He was on the bench at Portman Road but could get his first start in several weeks against Crystal Palace. The Chelsea captain is expected to start at right back, while Marc Cucurella could continue at left back. At the heart of the defence, Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo could team up again with Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana injured.
Neto and Jackson to start
Midfielders – Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo have not been rested for some time and are unlikely to be excluded from the starting XI against Crystal Palace either. The South American stars could play in the double pivot again.
Cole Palmer has scored Chelsea's only goal in their previous 180 minutes of football and will be the favorite to start at number 10. Jadon Sancho could also retain his place on the left flank, with £54 million star Pedro Neto hoped to return to the fore, thus replacing Noni Madueke on the right wing.
Forward – Christopher Nkunku led the line against Ipswich Town but failed to make any notable impact. The Frenchman could return to the bench and possibly Nicolas Jackson will come in his place.
Here's what the Blues will probably look like on paper.
