The Blues bounced back in comfortable style with a 3-0 victory against Watford on Saturday evening. Putting the dire performance at West Ham firmly behind them. This evening the Blues face another London derby trip. This time the short journey to Crystal Palace. (Kick off 6pm GMT).
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper and defence
Kepa Arrizabalaga achieved a moral -boosting clean sheet at the weekend. In truth the Spaniard wasn’t truly tested. Although he did pull off a decent late save. His long-term future as no.1 looks debatable, but in the short-term he will continue to start games. Kurt Zouma impressed me against Watford. Anything the Hornets did throw at us was dealt with comfortably, but Zouma looked confident and read the game brilliantly. I’d only make one change to the back four tonight. Andreas Christensen was caught out on one occasion, asking the question that maybe Antonio Rudiger could return with a point to prove. Reece James showed his class going forward. The youngster was tested at the back, but improved as the game went on. Cesar Azpilicueta should continue on the left hand side.
Midfield
N’Golo Kante has joined Mateo Kovacic on the sidelines. However, Frank Lampard still has plenty of options. Mason Mount, and Ross Barkley linked up well in the middle of the park, and should both continue in those roles tonight. Jorginho has yet to figure since the restart, sparking rumours a move away is on the cards. With the injuries to others this is an opportunity for the Italian to regain his place in the starting line-up.
Front three
Once again there is no need to change. Willian and Pulisic have performed excellently since the restart. Probably the Blues best players during this period. Tammy Abraham has struggled with confidence. Meanwhile, Olivier Giroud has shown experience and confidence to deliver. I have no doubt the Frenchman should start at Selhurst Park.
Palace have little to play for, but will be up for this. Their last home games was a 1-0 defeat to Burnley. They followed that with a 3-0 defeat at Leicester City. If Chelsea can defend with confidence I can see a comfortable night with the front three on form. Prediction: Palace 0 Chelsea 2
Blue is the colour
