- Chelsea face Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon
- Blues beat Wolves 6-2 last weekend to secure first domestic win of 2024/25
- Reece James and Romeo Lavia missing for Sunday's clash
Chelsea are aiming to build on their emphatic victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend when they host Crystal Palace this Sunday in the Premier League.
The Blues beat the Old Gold 6-2 at Molineux to recover from an opening day defeat to Manchester City, with Noni Madueke netting a hat-trick in the eight-goal affair. Cole Palmer was in typically blistering form as he provided a trio of assists for Madueke, with Joao Felix also scoring on his second debut for the Blues.
A midweek trip to Switzerland saw the west Londoners secure their place in the Conference League despite losing the second leg of their tie with Servette.
Consistency was the issue for Chelsea last season and they must follow up their impressive win in the Midlands against Palace. The Eagles have lost their opening two games of the season and Enzo Maresca's side have the chance to pile more misery on their London foes.
Here is how Chelsea could line up against Oliver Glasner's side.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1)
GK: Robert Sanchez - Chelsea may have recruited Filip Jorgensen this summer but he's yet to usurp Sanchez. The Spanish goalkeeper struggled against Man City but looked much sharper at Wolves.
RB: Malo Gusto - Injury and suspension for Reece James makes Maresca's life simple when it comes to selecting his right-back. He will have his hands full marking the elegant Eberechi Eze at Stamford Bridge.
CB: Wesley Fofana - The arrival of Tosin Adarabioyo hasn't impacted Fofana's game time to date and he appears a nailed-on starter as things stand. He didn't cover himself in glory against Wolves and will be tested repeatedly by Jean-Philippe Mateta.
CB: Levi Colwill - Having made his return to the England squad, Colwill's confidence will be high heading into the weekend's clash. He may have to be sharper than he was at Molineux to keep Mateta silent.
LB: Marc Cucurella - Ben Chilwell's exile only emphasises Cucurella's importance to Chelsea. The Euro 2024 winner will be called upon in both halves against Palace.
DM: Moises Caicedo - There are question marks over Caicedo's fitness after a hefty challenge from Yerson Mosquera at Molineux. However, with Romeo Lavia likely sidelined, Caicedo will be essential if passed fit.
DM: Enzo Fernandez - The Argentine has justifiably found himself under scrutiny on and off the pitch and is still yet to convince the entirety of the Chelsea faithful. However, he did perform well last weekend and will want to build on an encouraging display.
RW: Noni Madueke - A first senior hat-trick and England call-up. Not a bad week for Madueke. The former PSV Eindhoven winger will be desperate to build upon an electric display in the Midlands.
AM: Cole Palmer - Madueke's hat-trick would not have been possible had it not been for Palmer's consistent supply line. Chelsea's superstar scored himself at Molineux, lifting the ball over Jose Sa with a daring and delightful finish.
LW: Pedro Neto - A first Premier League start for Chelsea lies in wait after being brought on at half-time against his former employers last weekend. He will be keen to take advantage of Daniel Munoz's marauding runs forward.
ST: Nicolas Jackson - Opened his account for the season against Wolves and even grabbed an assist, too. This could be a massive season for the Senegalese, who has shown fleeting glimpses of his excellence.
