Chelsea picked up a lucky 3-2 victory against Derby County in the Carabao Cup to seal their spot in the last eight and the blues will be strong favourites to continue their unbeaten run in the Premier League when they face Crystal Palace at home on Sunday.
The Eagles have struggled to find the net this season but Roy Hodgson should have plenty of positives to take from their 2-2 draw against Arsenal last week. Palace will have to put in another solid performance if they are to come away with at least a point from this fixture.
Maurizio Sarri is expected to make quite a few changes to the eleven that played in the Carabao Cup. Eden Hazard is not yet fully fit but the Belgian has been training with the squad and is likely to make the bench for Sunday’s clash. Alvaro Morata had a poor outing in the Carabao Cup but the Spaniard is expected to start ahead of Olivier Giroud who is suffering from a fatigue in one of his legs.
Pedro has recovered from his shoulder injury and made a substitute appearance in the Carabao Cup while Ross Barkley might find himself in the eleven after impressing with 3 goals and 3 assists in recent weeks.
He has been in good form between the sticks and has never disappointed when called into action.
The Spaniard should be fresh to start after getting a break in the Carabao Cup game.
He has established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet under Sarri and should get the nod ahead of Gary Cahill for Sunday’s clash.
The German international has been one of the standout performers for the Blues this season and there is no reason why Sarri should overlook him.
The Spaniard hasn’t been in great form in recent weeks but should start ahead of Emerson Palmieri.
He has established himself as one of the most prolific passers in the Premier League, playing an important role in Chelsea’s midfield
Chelsea’s midfield engine did not get a rest for the Carabao Cup fixture but his presence is indispensable for the Blues.
He is probably Chelsea’s most discussed player in recent weeks as he seems to have taken his game to a new level with some scintillating performances.
The Brazilian will be in high spirits after scoring a goal against Burnley last week.
Eden Hazard is not back to full fitness yet and hence, Sarri should hand the Spaniard a start.
He followed up a really good performance against Burnley with a horrible display in the Carabao Cup but Sarri might be forced to hand him a start ahead of Giroud, who has a minor injury problem.