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

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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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.(Photo by MIKE HEWITT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Callum Hudson-Odoi (No. 20) Right wingback, England

Callum Hudson-Odoi did not have a good game against Villarreal. It has to be said. Yes, he’s still a 20-year-old and inconsistency should be expected. Yet, he’s now getting paid the big bucks at a club like Chelsea, so he really has to step up his game. There’s competition for places and he didn’t do well to stake a claim for himself in a game of considerable magnitude. He gets into the Crystal Palace game on fitness grounds, most likely, because Reece James has only just arrived. He’s competent in the right wingback role. Hudson-Odoi might need that loan after all.

Mateo Kovacic (No. 8) Central midfielder, Croatia

Mateo Kovacic was sharper in the Super Cup final. His distribution was exquisite, launching balls to Hudson-Odoi on the right flank time and time again. He completed eight out of 12 long balls, a 67 percent accuracy. He also created three chances, more than any opposing player. Kovacic led everyone on the pitch in tackles (seven) which is even more impressive seeing as Chelsea had 62 percent of the ball. The Croatian is getting back into form and that can only be good for Chelsea. He has had some time to train with the group and get some match minutes so he’s significantly better prepared for the Crystal Palace game than some other central midfielders.

N’Golo Kante (No. 7) Central midfielder, France

N’Golo Kante was superb against Villarreal before he was substituted, most likely with the Crystal Palace match in mind, to give space for other players to get match fitness minutes under their belts. Kante has not slowed down since the Champions League semifinal last season. He’s been a joy to watch and has now cemented himself as one of the best and greatest midfielders in Chelsea’s history.

Marcos Alonso (No. 3) Left wingback, Spain

Marcos Alonso was all action against Villarreal and it was lovely to see. The Spaniard ranked second only to Chalobah in interceptions (four), highlighting how well he read the game. He won eight out of 12 duels and won four fouls. Alonso was also active in chance creation, with no one creating more chances than him (4) on the pitch. He was Chelsea’s most accurate shooter as well, leading everyone on the pitch in shots on target (three). Alonso delivered a performance worthy of re-selection however way his performance is evaluated. Add to that the fact that Ben Chilwell is still not match fit, having not played in months, not even a single minute at the Euros.

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