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Chelsea predicted XI vs. Crystal Palace: Deploy the trusty 4-2-3-1

By Gabe Henderson

Chelsea's German midfielder Kai Havertz (R) celebrates with Chelsea's English striker Tammy Abraham (L) and Chelsea's English midfielder Callum Hudson-Odoi (R) after scoring his team's fourth goal during the English League Cup third round football match between Chelsea and Barnsley at Stamford Bridge in London on September 23, 2020. (Photo by Alastair Grant / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ALASTAIR GRANT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea's German midfielder Kai Havertz (R) celebrates with Chelsea's English striker Tammy Abraham (L) and Chelsea's English midfielder Callum Hudson-Odoi (R) after scoring his team's fourth goal during the English League Cup third round football match between Chelsea and Barnsley at Stamford Bridge in London on September 23, 2020. (Photo by Alastair Grant / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ALASTAIR GRANT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Chelsea’s French goalkeeper Edouard Mendy (L) makes a save during the English League Cup fourth round football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on September 29, 2020. (Photo by NEIL HALL/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s French goalkeeper Edouard Mendy (L) makes a save during the English League Cup fourth round football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on September 29, 2020. (Photo by NEIL HALL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Chelsea is coming off two crushing results and London rival Crystal Palace comes to the west Side with a point to prove, so who will the gaffer start?

Frank Lampard has been handed a plethora of selection headaches early in the season due to Chelsea’s fixture congestion and a host of injuries. Christian Pulisic will be in the squad for this competitive match, but he won’t be starting. No matter, the gaffer can still field a strong side. But who will make up his starting XI in the match against Crystal Palace?

Edouard Mendy (No. 16) Goalkeeper, Senegal

Edouard Mendy was brought in to be Chelsea’s goalkeeper of the future and Chelsea’s goalkeeper of the future he shall be. After debuting against Tottenham in the League Cup, Mendy will be unveiled to the English top flight under the bright sun—curse you, 12:30 kickoffs, for ruining my poetic analysis—at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon. Mendy played well in his first match and if not for an Emerson mental mistake, the Senegalese shot stopper would’ve kept a clean sheet.

Reece James (No. 24) Right back, England

This one is rather simple: Cesar Azpilicueta started against Spurs midweek. Therefore, Reece James will get a run out at right back against Crystal Palace. Even if the skipper plays, he’ll be used on the left. It’d truly be one of the biggest surprises if the English right back doesn’t start this match, especially given his scorching start to the season.

Kurt Zouma (No. 15) Centerback, France

There are two days remaining until the transfer window slams shut and thus far, Blues fans’ dreams have come true: Kurt Zouma is still with the squad. Zouma has emerged as Chelsea’s No. 1 centerback over the last year. The lovable Frenchman will be the rock at the back for Lampard’s side this season, now it’s just a question of who he will be paired with.

Thiago Silva (No. 6) Centerback, Brazil

Thiago Silva didn’t feature midweek against Spurs, so one has to imagine he’ll get the nod for his first London derby against Crystal Palace. The Brazilian’s Premier League debut was overshadowed by an unfortunate error, but his response both on and off the pitch earned him a lot of respect in the dressing room. Silva looks to be everything he was hyped up to be; if he and Zouma can keep a clean sheet, they may be the centerback partnership going forward.

Ben Chilwell (No. 21) Left back, England

Ben Chilwell has looked like he’s worth every pound spent on him a few short weeks ago. The English left back has continued to impress, but Lampard’s taken extreme caution given the lengthy period he missed with a heel injury. If Chilwell is fully fit, expect him to play the full 90′ for the first time this season. This match may see the manager field his ideal back four, with Chilwell representing the final piece to the long-term puzzle.

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