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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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Chelsea’s Italian midfielder Jorginho reacts at the final whistle during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge in London on August 14, 2021. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s Italian midfielder Jorginho reacts at the final whistle during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge in London on August 14, 2021. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /

Cesar Azpilicueta (No. 28) Right wingback, Spain

Cesar Azpilicueta completed his trophy cabinet when Chelsea lifted the Club World Cup last week. The Spaniard is a club legend and he showed his remarkable composure and leadership with his strategy for the penalty in the final. The Blues’ captain shielded Kai Havertz from the opposition’s mind games and heckling and allowed him to focus on the penalty kick. It will be interesting to see how his contract situation pans out with Barcelona interested. However, no matter what happens, Azpilicueta will always hold a special place in the hearts of all Chelsea fans.

Mateo Kovacic (No. 8) Central midfielder, Croatia

Mateo Kovacic wasn’t particularly impressive against Palmeiras. His performance was OK, but nothing special. On the other hand, N’Golo Kante played for the entire duration of 120 minutes and he could be rested by Tuchel against Premier League. Kovacic will probably start against Crystal Palace and expect a strong, commanding performance.

Jorginho (No. 5) Central midfielder, Italy

Jorginho didn’t feature in the Club World Club final as Kovacic and Kante were pulling the strings in midfield. Numerous reports suggest that Chelsea will back Tuchel heavily in the summer and the list of targets includes a couple of midfielders. Considering Jorginho’s contract length, there has been a lot of discussion about his future at the Bridge. Despite the rumours, Jorginho has been brilliant in the past year and continues to be a key player for Tuchel. The Italian will feature for the Blues against the Eagles and expect another composed performance.

Marcos Alonso (No. 3) Left wingback, Spain

Marcos Alonso has looked tired in a few games and Malang Sarr’s rise has been a huge positive for Chelsea. He was one of the reasons behind the fact that the Blues didn’t find any short-term replacements for Ben Chilwell in the January window. The Frenchman can play as a centerback and a left back. However, Alonso is the specialist when it comes to the wingback position. He didn’t play in the Club World Cup final and should feature against Crystal Palace.

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