Another London Derby is here for Chelsea, right after losing another. Crystal Palace hasn’t been in great form, but they did win against AFC Bournemouth Last week, much like their opponents on Sunday. Graham Potter is under real pressure now, and regardless of what he thought he was promised, he’s in genuine danger of losing his job if things don’t improve. Chelsea should be able to get past Crystal Palace, but who does Potter trust to do exactly that?
Expected Chelsea lineup for Crystal Palace derby: Back to 3-4-1-2 for Joao Felix-less Blues?
Kepa Arrizabalaga, No. 1, Goalkeeper
Arrizabalaga didn’t have a good game against Fulham, allowing a cross to sail all the way across the box to find Carlos Vinicius. He’s not the only one at fault for that goal though. Arrizabalaga has now played one more game Edouard Mendy, and he has been better at saving shots this season, but Mendy’s distribution numbers are still far better.
Trevoh Chalobah, No. 14, Centerback
Chalobah had a nightmare against Fulham, but to Potter, the Englishman would still be more of a known quantity than Benoit Badiashile. To be fair to Chalobah, he has been injured, so there’s something to be said about a lack of match sharpness, or even match fitness.
Thiago Silva, No. 6, Centerback
Silva was the best centerback for the Blues on the pitch against Fulham, though he was still markedly not as good as the Fulham centerbacks. It wasn’t difficult to be Chelsea’s best centerback on the night though, and him being the best centerback on the pitch is not a good thing. At all.
Kalidou Koulibaly, No. 26, Centerback
Koulibaly also didn’t have a good game the last time out, but he hasn’t really had one in a while, even going as far back as when Thomas Tuchel was in charge. He would be one of the players that Potter hopes can help him turn things around due to his experience and leadership. Koulibaly himself has talked about the realization of the differences between the Serie A and the Premier League, maybe that explains his form.
Cesar Azpilicueta, No. 28, Right back
Azpilicueta was one of the leaders Potter had a meeting with. To the fans and the board, the content of that meeting is irrelevant, as Potter will be largely judged on what the team produces on the pitch. James is still injured, which means that Azpilicueta will still start.
Marc Cucurella, No. 32, Spain
Cucurella likely returns to the lineup after the Fulham defeat. Lewis Hall didn’t have a good game, but that doesn’t say much. Potter handed Hall an opportunity, which he gets credit for doing considering the circumstances, however the English manager is likely to go back to the safest possible selections.
Jorginho, No. 5, Central midfielder
Jorginho came on as a substitute against Fulham and he did nothing of note. He had a poor outing against Manchester City in the FA Cup so it wasn’t a shock to see him dropped to the bench. CFC has lost seven out of their last nine games though, so Potter likely turns back to Jorginho for stability.
Mateo Kovacic, No. 8, Croatia
Almost nothing about Kovacic was good in his last outing. His passing most especially was sub-par, and Joao Paulinha won that midfield battle comfortably.
Hakim Ziyech, No. 22, Right winger
Who starts at right wing is anyone’s guess, but Ziyech may get the run out because Potter is going with the safe option, as he has said earlier that he knows what Ziyech offers. Ziyech was good in the first half against Man City in the league game, but he wasn’t as involved as he should have been, and was even less involved in the second half before he was subbed off.
Mason Mount, No. 19, Left winger
Mount will start again. Potter has said Mount likes to play his way into form so if you thought bad form would be a good enough reason to drop Mount, it turns out that bad form is even more reason to play him.
Kai Havertz, No. 29, Striker
Havertz had a very good connection with Joao Felix, and while Fulham provided Chels‘ with the space, it was still nice to see. He needs to develop that connection with some teammates that are available to play though.