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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LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 10: Kai Havertz of Chelsea celebrates after scoring their team’s first 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) /

Kai Havertz (No. 29) Right winger, Germany

Kai Havertz didn’t have that good a game midweek either. He has gathered a lot of goodwill with his performances on the back end of last season, specifically the goal to seal the Champions League victory. He’s one of the players that has had time to build his fitness this preseason. Romelu Lukaku will not be available either, so Havertz likely starts against Crystal Palace. Havertz had the crucial assist against Villarreal, but he didn’t really show the creativity or attacking presence he’s advertised lately. His penalty shootout miss is a non-talking point, that happens to everyone eventually.

Timo Werner (No. 11) Center forward, Germany

Timo Werner started the Super Cup very well, but his performance went downhill very quickly. Werner was crucial to Tuchel’s system last season in terms of chance creation. He’s not in very good goal scoring form at the moment, but the fact that he’s getting into goal scoring positions should be of more importance. He had a rough first season at Chelsea, but who hasn’t?

Mason Mount (No. 19) Left winger, England

Mason Mount created the most big chances for Chelsea in the league last season. He also had the most shot creating actions. Mount filled a role that was vacant, due to unavoidable circumstances. Mount didn’t impress against Villarreal, but he wasn’t really expected to as he’s still building his match fitness, having just recently come back from vacation. Mount has undoubtedly improved in recent months and has deserved all the minutes he’s gotten under Tuchel and Frank Lampard. He’s shown a willingness to do the dirty work others won’t, all while creating chances and scoring goals. Chelsea, however, cannot afford to hang the creative burden on him again this season, which means other players have to step up in that regard.

Next. Chelsea: Three things to look for as Blues begin Premier League hunt. dark

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