Predicted XI

Werner dropped by Tuchel? How Chelsea could line up against Crystal Palace

Thomas Tuchel may look to rest a number of key players against Crystal Palace and ahead of his side's Champions League clash with Porto

8:36am on Friday 9th April 2021
By Stefan Bienkowski

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel will be desperate to get his team back to winning ways in the Premier League, following last weekend’s embarrassing defeat to West Brom.

Fortunately for the Stamford Bridge boss, his Chelsea squad are as close to fully fit as he could have hoped for and he has just one, notable suspension to deal with.

However, ahead of a second leg clash with Porto in the Champions League in midweek, Tuchel may take the opportunity to rest some key players in Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace.

In defence the Chelsea manager will have to make do without Thiago Silva, who foolishly got himself sent off midway through the first half of last weekend’s game. Instead, Tuchel will likely turn to Antonio Rudiger, Kurt Zouma and Cesar Azpilicueta to make up his back three.

Similarly, Tuchel may look to play a midfield pairing of Mateo Kovacic alongside N’Golo Kante, with Callum Hudson-Odoi on the right wing and Marcos Alonso on the left flank to offer stability in the middle of the park and enough width on the wings.

In attack the Chelsea boss may look to rest a number of key attacking players such as Christian Pulisic and Timo Werner, with starts for Olivier Giroud up front and another start for Hakim Ziyech, alongside the ever impressive Mason Mount.