Chelsea predicted XI at Palace: Lampard goes with strength once again

Chelsea travels across town to Crystal Palace for another Premier League match on Tuesday. Expect Frank Lampard to field another strong side.

Chelsea is in the race for the top four, but if the Blues play their cards right, they could be gunning for the second spot. Chelsea need some consistency, so expect Frank Lampard to turn his most trusted lieutenants. Crystal Palace has seldom been an easy game, but with the stakes higher, expect it to be even more grueling. We take a look at who we think Lampard gives the go ahead at Selhurst Park:

Kepa Arrizabalaga (No. 1) Goalkeeper, Spain

Arrizabalaga was not called upon often against Watford, but there was that one big chance that he saved from point blank. Arrizabalaga kept it neat and tidy. He made three saves and kept a clean sheet. What more could you ask for? Rumours of Andre Onana are swirling, Arrizabalaga needs to keep his head and maybe his spot will not be touched. Lampard and everyone at the club would prefer to start the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, except Arrizabalaga usually makes a very strong case against it.

Cesar Azpilicueta (No. 28) Right back, Spain

There is no chance the Spaniard will be rotated. Azpilicueta keeps setting new standards in every game and we’re running out of things to write about him. He played his role as a left back perfectly against Watford and even had an assist. He’s so comfortable playing in many positions that it’s almost ridiculous. He’s a leader by example. Expect another start for Mr. Chelsea.

Andreas Christensen (No. 4) Right centerback, Denmark

Since the Premier League resumed, Christensen has been Chelsea’s best centerback. His game against West Ham did not particularly reflect that, but he did enough to help Chelsea get the clean sheet against Watford. Whatever he was doing during the lockdown period help him improve his game. Christensen wasn’t often noticeable against Watford and for a centerback, that’s good.

Kurt Zouma (No. 15) Left centerback, France

Zouma was Chelsea’s best centerback before the Coronavirus lockdown started. He did not start after the Premier League resumed until the Watford game, for whatever reason. Zouma’s Watford performance showed why he should be starting more games than he has. This is a Watford that is populated with many players with a height and strength advantage, yet Zouma made it a non-factor. He was unplayable in the air. He read the game excellently, and gave confidence to the Chelsea back-line. He was solid—rock solid. Expect Zouma to get a chance to continue bullying attackers against Palace.

Marcos Alonso (No. 3) Left back, Spain

Did I say players with a height and strength advantage? I meant Crystal Palace. Palace would prioritise set-pieces against Chelsea, partly because it’s the Eagles’ best chance of scoring and also because they have many set-piece threats. However, it’s mainly because they know that the Chelsea players don’t know the first thing about defending set-pieces.

Chelsea needs all the advantage it can get and then some. In Alonso, the Blues have more height for defending those set pieces, as well as a free kick option should the opportunity present itself. Alonso has the second-highest rating for Chelsea this season in this department. Surprising? It shouldn’t be. Alonso has been very consistent this season. He creates several chances per game, constantly gives his winger/midfielder a passing option and continues to make himself a goal threat. It’s always a good thing to have Alonso on the pitch.