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Chelsea vs Crystal Palace predicted XI: 3-4-3 to kick off title race

By Olaoluwa Nwobodo

Chelsea's English midfielder Callum Hudson-Odoi (L) sends a shot over the bar during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea at Selhurst Park in south London on April 10, 2021. - 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 Mike Hewitt / 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. / 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 MIKE HEWITT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea's English midfielder Callum Hudson-Odoi (L) sends a shot over the bar during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea at Selhurst Park in south London on April 10, 2021. - 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 Mike Hewitt / 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. / 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 MIKE HEWITT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 10: Kurt Zouma of Chelsea celebrates with Cesar Azpilicueta after scoring their team’s third goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea at Selhurst Park on April 10, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 10: Kurt Zouma of Chelsea celebrates with Cesar Azpilicueta after scoring their team’s third goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea at Selhurst Park on April 10, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

Chelsea comes into the Premier League season having already won a trophy in the UEFA Super Cup. This will give the Blues players an air of confidence before the domestic campaign officially kicks off. Several of Thomas Tuchel’s preferred players played the full 120 minutes or finished the game against Villarreal in mid-week. Further, several players aren’t yet fully fit.

Who does Tuchel give the nod in the first league game of the season?

Edouard Mendy (No. 16) Goalkeeper, Senegal

Edouard Mendy was outstanding in goal against Villarreal in the Super Cup, but was rusty in his distribution. Every player seemed to be uncomfortable at one point or another though as the pitch seemed particularly wet. Mendy’s professionalism when he was subbed off for Kepa Arrizabalaga—despite having an outstanding game—showed how much of a team player he is. He’s fully on board.

Trevoh Chalobah (No. 14) Right centerback, England

Tuchel has said not to expect a fully fit squad until after the first international break. This indicates that the manager recognizes that a large portion of his squad is not close to being as fit as he’d like. Trevoh Chalobah is fit though, as he showed in the Super Cup. He made 13 defensive actions, including leading the team and everyone on the pitch in clearances (six) and interceptions (five). He was a big part of why Chelsea won the Super Cup. Chalobah has forced his way into Tuchel’s plans and it would be hard for the German not to feature him more often.

Kurt Zouma (No. 15) Centerback, France

Kurt Zouma wasn’t flashy and his performance against Villarreal got negative reviews because he opted not to launch long balls at will like his centerback partner. He did complete both of his long balls and every short pass he attempted. He was a calm head in the defense, stepping in and cleaning up where needed. Zouma made five defensive actions and won one of his two duels. He got in a position to put the Blues two goals up, but the ball was two high for him to hit cleanly and too far for him to use his head. It’s not a coincidence that Chelsea conceded after he came off. The fact that seemingly more progressive passers came in, the Blues created less chances and were shaky defensively just shows that the preference for “flashy passers” in the back line is overblown.

Antonio Rudiger (No. 2) Left centerback, Germany

Antonio Rudiger’s distribution was outstanding in the Super Cup final. His high volume, long passing tendency is good for the side because it makes his teammates more alert to potential passes over the top. That will be a huge source of creating high quality chances this season. Rudiger won an impressive eight out of 11 duels on the night, making four defensive actions. He will continue to be key going into the new season, even with his contract situation up in the air.

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