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Chelsea at Crystal Palace predicted XI: 3-4-3 is here to stay

By Vansh Ambashta

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 14: Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea celebrates with Cesar Azpilicueta after scoring his goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 14, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 14: Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea celebrates with Cesar Azpilicueta after scoring his goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 14, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 14: Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea celebrates with Cesar Azpilicueta after scoring his goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 14, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 14: Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea celebrates with Cesar Azpilicueta after scoring his goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 14, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images) /

After lifting the Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi, Chelsea faces Crystal Palace in the Premier League. The Eagles have done well in the English top flight this season and they will be tough competition for the Blues, who haven’t played a match in the league in almost a month. Crystal Palace will be without its star player, Conor Gallagher, who cannot face his parent club. Nevertheless, Chelsea will also be without one of its key men in Mason Mount.

Here is who The Pride of London believes will get the starting nod on Saturday at Selhurst Park:

Edouard Mendy (No. 16) Goalkeeper, Senegal

Chelsea is fortunate to have the best goalkeeper in the world in the squad. Edouard Mendy has had a phenomenal year, culminating with his win at the African Cup of Nations with Senegal last month. Kepa Arrizabalaga performed well in his absence and things are finally starting to look positive for the Spaniard. However, the Senegalese will inevitably start in the Premier League. It was interesting to see Tuchel start Mendy in the Club World Cup final, as well, and it clearly indicated that Mendy is the outright No. 1 between the sticks.

Trevoh Chalobah (No. 14) Right centerback, England

Andreas Christensen came off against Palmeiras with injury concerns. It would be safe to rest him for this game and allow Trevoh Chalobah to get back into rhythm. The young defender has struggled with an injury and needs to be eased back into the side. Plus, it’d be a treat to see him score another screamer against the same opponent.

Thiago Silva (No. 6) Centerback, Brazil

Thiago Silva has been one of Chelsea’s best signings in recent history. His presence has brought a calming presence back to an inconsistent defence, and his experience is crucial for players like Chalobah and Christensen to learn from. Silva has the ability to read a situation and act according to his strengths, which are traits that comes only with experience. The Brazilian will start at the heart of the defence against Crystal Palace and expect another consistent performance.

Antonio Rudiger (No. 2) Left centerback, Germany

Antonio Rudiger has been brilliant this season and he hasn’t allowed the rather strange contract situation to impact his performances. He has been essential to the Blues’ gameplay and has even won two penalties this season. Rudiger’s importance cannot be understated and he has been one of the best centrebacks in the league—if not the world—during this time. Rudiger will inevitably start in his favoured position against the Eagles, expect him to dominate his side of the field.

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