The Chelsea Lineup That Should Start Against Crystal Palace

Chelsea welcome Crystal Palace to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, hoping to hit their stride after a mixed start.

The Blues began with a win against Brighton at the AMEX, but then put in underwhelming performances against champions Liverpool and newly-promoted West Bromwich Albion. The second-half comeback at the Hawthorns will have given Frank Lampard some hope, but he will come under pressure if things don't improve.

On Saturday, they come up against a side who have made a positive start to the new season, defeating Southampton on the opening day before pulling off a shock win at Old Trafford. Last week's contentious home loss to Everton may have put a dampener on things, but Crystal Palace promise to provide a stern test for Chelsea.

Here is the side that Lampard could name to face the Eagles on the weekend.


1. Goalkeeper and Defenders

Edouard Mendy (GK) - With Willy Caballero starting at the Hawthorns, it appears as if Kepa Arrizabalaga's days are numbered at Stamford Bridge. Their latest arrival Edouard Mendy should take his place, especially after a decent showing in the Carabao Cup in midweek.

Reece James (RB) - Probably the only defender to come away from the West Brom game with his head held high, the former Wigan loanee is a constant threat down the right.

Thiago Silva (CB) - He may have had a nightmare debut, but there is no denying the Brazilian's class.

Kurt Zouma (CB) - The Frenchman scored on the opening day against Brighton, and could return to action after being rested against West Brom.

Ben Chilwell (LB) - With Spanish full-back Marcos Alonso reportedly involved in a clash with manager Frank Lampard, summer signing Ben Chilwell could be in line for his Premier League debut for the Blues after a nagging injury.

2. Midfielders

N'Golo Kante (CM) - The World Cup winner may not be the same player he was a few years ago, but he is still the best defensive midfield option Chelsea have.

Mateo Kovacic (CM) - The Croatian has made 102 appearances for the west Londoners, winning their Player of the Year last season.

Mason Mount (RM) - Mount's goal helped spark the comeback at the Hawthorns with a long-range strike, although he suffered in mid-week, missing the deciding penalty as Chelsea were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Spurs.

Kai Havertz (CM) - Aside from a Carabao Cup hat-trick against Championship side Barnsley, Havertz's career in England hasn't taken off yet. The 21-year-old will be looking to recapture the form he showed at Bayer Leverkusen, where he scored 46 goals in 150 appearances.

Callum Hudson-Odoi (LM) - The teenager came off the bench to score Chelsea's second against West Brom. After missing out on the latest England squad, Hudson-Odoi will be eager to impress – although transfer links with Bayern Munich could see him kept on a short leash.

3. Forward

Timo Werner (ST) - The Germany international opened his account in English football with a brilliant finish at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday. Two more appearances for the 24-year-old will take him to 300 in his professional career.


Source : 90min