“He’ll start” – Mauricio Pochettino recalls 20-year-old to start ahead of Crystal Palace
Mauricio Pochettino will have been delighted with what he had seen last time out as Chelsea booked their place in the 5th Round of the FA Cup.
The Blues won 3-1 away from home to Aston Villa in a game very few gave them a chance of winning.
The result may well have saved Pochettino’s job for the time being, however there is not long to celebrate before they return to action.
With that said, here’s the predicted XI for the trip to Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Chelsea Predicted XI
Djordje Petrovic was minutes away from a clean sheet in the week, but will keep his place in the squad for the London derby.
One Chelsea player who was probably underrated against Villa was Malo Gusto, but he will absolutely keep his place in the side on Monday.
Axel Disasi will start again at the back, although it looks as if he will have a different partner this week.
With Benoit Badiashile’s reported injury, the club will be sweating on the fitness of Levi Colwill to play on the left of the back two.
Ben Chilwell will captain the side as he continues his comeback from a serious injury suffered last year.
Midfield
A player of the match performance against Villa will make World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez the first name on the teamsheet on Monday night.
He will be joined by Moises Caicedo, who also showed far more of what Chelsea fans had been expecting for a player who cost as much as he did.
Ahead of them, Conor Gallagher will continue, fresh off his first goal of the season for the club.
Attack
While he didn’t score in the week, it was another influential display from Cole Palmer on the right. He will start again.
On the left, Nicolas Jackson proved he could actually be far better in that position, and wil be rewarded with another start.
Down the middle, Christopher Nkunku will look to get back amongst the goalscorers against one of the few sides he has actually already played against.