Palmer's Fitness Sparks Chelsea Selection Dilemma as Blues Face Palace Test—Team News & Predicted XI
Chelsea are looking for just their fourth Premier League win since the November international break as they travel to Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.
The decline in form over recent months led to Enzo Maresca losing his position, but Liam Rosenior has begun his reign successfully with three victories from four matches. Nevertheless, Chelsea struggled to impress during consecutive wins against Brentford and Pafos, with Palace expected to test them thoroughly this weekend.
Chelsea will be eager for three points to strengthen their Champions League qualification hopes, though Rosenior may be considering Wednesday's European league phase conclusion against Napoli before the Selhurst Park encounter.
Match Snapshot
Match Snapshot
Team News
Team News
Chelsea have been concerned about Cole Palmer's availability after he was absent from the midweek victory over Pafos, but Rosenior has stated the attacking midfielder has a "really good chance" of playing against Palace.
Nevertheless, the England international won't be accompanied in the matchday squad by Roméo Lavia, Tosin Adarabioyo, Filip Jörgensen, Dário Essugo and Levi Colwill, who are all currently sidelined with injuries.
Mykhailo Mudryk continues to be unavailable due to suspension following a failed drug test.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1)
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1)
GK: Robert Sánchez—With Jörgensen sustaining an injury against Pafos, Sánchez's place in the starting eleven is guaranteed. Despite improved displays this season, the Spanish keeper remains prone to occasional errors.
RB: Reece James—The captain should return to his right-back role after playing in midfield during the week and will be tasked with both solid defending and providing attacking threat from wide positions.
CB: Wesley Fofana—The injuries to Tosin and Colwill limit Rosenior's defensive choices, with Fofana likely to start at centre-back over Benoît Badiashile.
CB: Trevoh Chalobah—Having been rested against Pafos, Chalobah should be ready for a tough duel with Jean-Philippe Mateta—his former Palace colleague expected to play on Sunday despite transfer speculation.
LB: Marc Cucurella—The comeback of both Daniel Muñoz and Ismaïla Sarr will present significant challenges for Cucurella, particularly if his midfield and attacking colleagues fail to offer adequate support.
DM: Moisés Caicedo—Caicedo netted his first-ever header during the week to secure a narrow European victory, with the defensive midfielder now reaching five goals across all competitions this season.
DM: Enzo Fernández—Fernández found the net in his debut match against Palace but has failed to score in the following three encounters. The Argentine will be hoping to rediscover his scoring touch on Sunday.
RW: Pedro Neto—The Portuguese winger can create havoc with his pace, and Palace's weakened defense, now missing former Blues academy graduate Marc Guéhi, may find it difficult to stop him.
AM: Cole Palmer—Rosenior's encouraging news regarding Palmer's fitness should clear the path for his return to the starting formation, though the attacking midfielder's playing time requires careful management in the upcoming fixtures.
LW: Alejandro Garnacho—Garnacho's double against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup has secured him consecutive starts and could make it three in a row for the energetic Argentine.
ST: João Pedro—Liam Delap's poor showing against Pafos ensures Pedro will certainly return to the team against Palace. The Brazilian netted his eighth goal of the campaign last weekend in the win over Brentford.