Chelsea will travel across town to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace, looking to end a two game losing streak in the Premier League.
Chelsea had a chance to go top of the league at Christmas with a win against Everton on Dec. 22. Now, less than 15 days later, the Blues have been relegated to fourth in the standings, ten points back of leaders Liverpool. This comes as a result of a drop in form that saw Enzo Maresca's side take just one point out of nine available against Everton, Fulham and Ipswich Town, a drastic turn after they'd won five straight league games.
With the amount of parity in the Premier League, a poor run of games can have dramatic consequences and now Chelsea are in danger of falling out of the top four. However, 15th place Crystal Palace offer a good opportunity for Chelsea to start 2025 on the right foot, especially considering the Blues have won in their last six league visits to Selhurst Park.
Maresca confirmed that captain, Reece James, could see minutes for the first time in almost two months and that Romeo Lavia is also close to returning. However, he also revealed that Benoît Badiashile might be out until February and fellow French center back, Wesley Fofana, could be out the remainder of the season.
Here's how Chelsea could lineup vs. Crystal Palace on Saturday, Dec. 4.
