Chelsea FC Predicted XI Against Crystal Palace

Jul 21, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy Ignacio Magnato (15) defends Barcelona forward Pedro (7) in the first half of the game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 21, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy Ignacio Magnato (15) defends Barcelona forward Pedro (7) in the first half of the game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Abdul Baba Rahman and Cesar Azpilicueta

Abdul Baba Rahman’s arrival at Stamford Bridge was announced in the aftermath of the Manchester City loss. I had thought that he would be given the nod against West Brom, but that was not to be as Branislav Ivanovic maintained his starting spot.

Perhaps a week was not long enough for the Ghanaian to properly integrate in with his teammates, or maybe Mourinho just forgot about him, but Baba Rahman did not even make the bench for Sunday’s game.

However, Ivanovic put in another display that showed that he is in decline and the new arrival should get the start against Palace. This would push Azpilicueta to his natural right-back slot and Iva to the bench.

The Spaniard, meanwhile, hit his straps against WBA and brought the attacking threat that he had failed to so far show. This was rewarded with a great goal that saw him steaming onto a ball at the edge of the box. More of the same, please.

Next: Centre-Backs