Chelsea predicted lineup vs Crystal Palace - Premier League
By Max Parsons
Chelsea return to domestic action on Saturday afternoon when they travel to Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Thomas Tuchel's men have just lifted the Club World Cup courtesy of wins over Al Hilal and Palmeiras, though they need to get back on track domestically, having won just once in their previous five Premier League outings. A 2-0 victory over Tottenham last time out brought an end to a run of three draws and a defeat - a run that has seen them slip 16 points behind Manchester City and seven behind Liverpool.
Looking for a second consecutive league victory for the first time since - quite incredibly - late October, the Blues travel to a Crystal Palace enduring a sticky patch themselves. Here's how Chelsea could set out.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Crystal Palace
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Edouard Mendy (GK) - Has safely reclaimed his number one status after returning from Africa Cup of Nations glory with Senegal.
Trevoh Chalobah (CB) - As Tuchel may look to rest some players ahead of the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie with Lille in midweek, Chalobah could get a start in this one - looking to repeat the scorcher he scored against Palace on the opening day.
Andreas Christensen (CB) - Thiago Silva may be one of those rested, potentially allowing Christensen an appearance in the back three.
Antonio Rudiger (CB) - The big German should continue at the back, having featured in all but one of his side's Premier League outings this term.
2. Wing-backs & midfielders
Cesar Azpilicueta (RWB) - Fresh from winning the trophy that completes the set in his illustrious Chelsea career, the Spaniard should start here.
Mateo Kovacic (CM) - Could come into the fold to afford the somewhat injury-prone N'Golo Kante a rest after the Frenchman played 120 minutes in the Club World Cup final.
Jorginho (CM) - Has started the Blues' previous two Premier League games and should do so once more here.
Marcos Alonso (LWB) - Missed out on the final last week but should return here, having started 11 of his side's previous 12 league fixtures.
3. Forwards
Hakim Ziyech (RF) - Has been in splendid individual form in the Premier League and should be set for a fourth consecutive start in the competition.
Romelu Lukaku (ST) - Will hope to end a six-match domestic goal drought after striking twice in the Club World Cup finals.
Kai Havertz (LF) - Hero of the hour after notching a 117th-minute penalty to win Chelsea the Club World Cup last time out.