Chelsea will host Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge this afternoon, hoping to build on their momentum with a second consecutive Premier League victory.
The team comes into the match with a mixture of excitement and caution following their recent performances.
One of the players under the spotlight is Noni Madueke, who has been in excellent form recently.
After netting a sensational hat-trick against Wolves in Chelsea’s last Premier League outing, Madueke was rewarded with his first call-up to the senior England squad on Wednesday.
This achievement is a significant milestone in his career, and he will be eager to continue his fine run of form by earning a place in today’s starting lineup.
However, his involvement in Thursday’s match against Servette, where he played for an hour, might affect the manager’s decision regarding his participation today.
Another key player, Christopher Nkunku, who found the back of the net from the penalty spot in the same game against Servette, completed the full 90 minutes.
This extended playtime suggests that he might start on the bench against Crystal Palace to conserve his energy for future matches.
Given the packed schedule, Chelsea’s management could opt to rotate the squad, ensuring their key players remain fresh and ready for upcoming challenges.
Joao Felix and Pedro Neto, who were both rested during the midweek game, are likely to be in contention for starting spots in today’s match.
Their absence from the lineup against Servette indicates that the coaching staff was keen on preserving their fitness for the Premier League fixture.
Both players bring creativity and attacking prowess to the team, and their inclusion could provide Chelsea with the edge they need to secure all three points.
In defense, Wesley Fofana is expected to return to the starting lineup after sitting out the match against Servette.
Fofana is anticipated to partner with Levi Colwill, forming a solid defensive pairing.
Fofana’s presence will be crucial in ensuring Chelsea’s backline remains organized and resilient against a Crystal Palace side known for their counter-attacking threat.
Meanwhile, Romeo Lavia remains a doubt for today’s match.
The midfielder missed Chelsea’s emphatic 6-2 victory last weekend and didn’t travel with the squad to Switzerland due to a minor hamstring injury.
His absence from the training images released by the club this week further suggests that the club may take a cautious approach with his return, particularly with the international break just around the corner.
The team will likely prefer to allow Lavia more time to recover fully rather than risk aggravating the injury.
Despite a busy transfer deadline day, Chelsea didn’t manage to secure deals for Victor Osimhen or Ivan Toney, two strikers who had been linked with the club.
However, they did succeed in bringing Jadon Sancho back to London on a season-long loan from Manchester United.
Sancho’s return to the capital is seen as a significant move, but fans will have to wait a little longer to see him in action, as he will use the upcoming international break to integrate into the squad under the guidance of manager Enzo Maresca.
Given the situation with Sancho, Chelsea supporters will be eager to see how he fits into the team and what impact he can make upon his return.
The predicted starting XI for Chelsea today includes Sanchez in goal, with a back four consisting of Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, and Cucurella.
In midfield, Caicedo and Fernandez are expected to provide the foundation, while the attack is likely to be led by Madueke, Palmer, Felix, and Jackson.
This lineup reflects a balance between experience and youthful energy, aiming to deliver another strong performance and secure the victory Chelsea needs to continue their push up the Premier League table.
