Chelsea kick off 2025 against Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon as the Blues look to end their mini blip in form with three points at Selhurst Park.
Filip Jorgensen came into the XI at Portman Road and it felt very much like what happened at Southampton last month. At St Mary’s, Jorgensen came into the line-up in place of Robert Sanchez but it was more to rest the latter than anything else, so there is a general feeling that the Spaniard will reclaim his place in south London this weekend.
Axel Disasi is likely going to be taken out of the team after a poor showing in Ipswich. Malo Gusto is the likely candidate to start at right-back with Reece James being eased back in and Josh Acheampong yet to play a single minute in the Premier League.
With James, it is clear Maresca will take his time with him – and that seems like the sensible decision. Saying that, though, the Blues’ head coach would like there to be a circumstance where he can bring his captain on at some point over the next few matches.
Marc Cucurella is expected to continue on the left-hand side of defence. Meanwhile, it is likely we will see Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo in the middle of the pitch. We will hear more on Romeo Lavia and his current situation on Friday during Maresca’s press conference, but – even if he was fit – the Belgian would not be a position to start.
