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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: James McArthur of Crystal Palace is challenged by Christian Pulisic of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 14, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 14: James McArthur of Crystal Palace is challenged by Christian Pulisic of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 14, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images) /

Hakim Ziyech (No. 22) Right winger, Morocco

Hakim Ziyech has been Chelsea’s best forward in recent times, without a doubt. The man looked lost in Tuchel’s three-at-the-back system but has slowly found his footing in the team. Ziyech’s performances have been lethal from the right and it shows what a player of his quality can do in the correct position. It was strange to see Tuchel keep him on the bench for the Club World Cup final, but that could have been due to fatigue as the Moroccan has played regularly in the past few games. Expect Ziyech to start against Crystal Palace and weave his magic from the right.

Romelu Lukaku (No. 9) Striker, Belgium

Romelu Lukaku scored a classic striker’s goal in the Club World Club final. He got on the end of a perfect cross from Callum Hudson-Odoi and headed the ball into the net. While the Belgian hasn’t been at his best in recent times, it is encouraging to see him score a few goals, albeit against weaker opponents. Chelsea needs Lukaku to fire on all fronts and lead the attack. The Blues’ attack, in general, has been wasteful over the season and the same was visible in the Club World Cup as they struggled to finish any chances. Lukaku will start against Crystal Palace, which could be the season’s turning point for Chelsea’s record signing.

Christian Pulisic (No. 10) Left winger, United States

Christian Pulisic’s situation is a peculiar one at Stamford Bridge. It is fair to say that the forward has failed to live up to expectations at Chelsea and injuries have played a big part in that. He ranks low in the pecking order and time for a resurgence is running out. The USMNT player has featured in several positions over the season and has barely played in his favoured position on the left. This factor has impacted Pulisic’s season, it is time he is given a chance in his position. Expect Pulisic to start against Crystal Palace and find his form back.

Next. Chelsea is in a world of its own in the Premier League table. dark

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