Chelsea confirmed line-up: Talisman returns v Crystal Palace
By Harry Sykes
Eden Hazard and Nemanja Matic have been recalled to the side for Chelsea’s Premier League clash at Crystal Palace in the early-kick off on Saturday.
It sees Pedro and Cesc Fabregas drop back to the bench.
Playing before their rivals gives the London club a chance to move nine points clear at the top of the table, and stake a real claim for their latest Premier League title.
If they beat Crystal Palace they will also equal the club’s record winning streak in the Premier League, which stands at 11 games.
The overall record is held by rivals Arsenal who won 14 Premier League games in a row between February and August 2002.
Despite a fantastic game against Sunderland on Wednesday, including the winning goal, Cesc Fabregas drops to the bench to make room for Matic, with Hazard coming in for Pedro.
They’re the only changes from Antonio Conte as he sticks with the tried-and-tested formula that’s seen them fly up the table since their 3-0 loss to Arsenal back in September.
The line-up was announced on the club’s official Twitter account.
Diego Costa continues to spearhead the attack after scoring 12 goals in 13 games. Another today will take him clear of Alexis Sanchez at the top of the PL scoring table.
Hazard and Willian join Costa in attack, with Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso patrolling the wings. N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic complete the midfield.
Chesela’s defence remains unchanged with Thibaut Courtois in goal, in front of Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz and Gary Cahill.
In other Chelsea news, the club have identified their top transfer target in January and are hoping they can get him for less than £40million.