Chelsea get their Premier League season underway against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.
The Blues are determined to show they are ready to challenge for the Premier League title again just 35 days after lifting the Club World Cup in New Jersey.
Joao Pedro and Liam Delap shone in that competition with both strikers now ahead of Nicolas Jackson in the pecking order in west London with the Senegal international suspended for Sunday’s game regardless.
Three goals in two Club World Cup appearances, plus another three in quick-fire pre-season games against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan, could see Pedro start the new campaign as Enzo Maresca’s first-choice no9.
Jamie Gittens will also be hopeful of getting the nod alongside Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto in that attacking three behind the striker. Brazilian sensation Estevao Willian will have his eye on making that role on the right his own as the season progresses
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Chelsea were dealt a crushing blow last week with Levi Colwill expected to miss the majority of the season with an ACL injury.
There was some good news with Wesley Fofana likely to be available again after his most recent lay-off.
Trevoh Chalobah meanwhile limped off in the win over AC Milan last week but is fit to face Palace today.
Jorrel Hato is also ready to make his debut at the back if called upon.
Crystal Palace meanwhile started their season with a Community Shield victory over Liverpool but have a string of injury problems to contend with ahead of their league opener.
Daichi Kamada is among those who could miss out with Chadi Riad, Cheick Doucoure and Eddie Nketiah also carrying knocks.
Ell eyes will be on Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze in the coming days. Liverpool are in talks to sign the Palace skipper while Tottenham have made their move to sign his England teammate.
Either man missing out this weekend could provide the clearest indication yet they will be on the move.
Chelsea XI to face Crystal Palace – Metro prediction
Both Pedro and Delap have hit the ground running but the Brazil international should get the nod. His countryman Estevao may have to wait for his first competitive start.
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace TV channel and kick-off time
Chelsea vs Palace falls on Sunday 17 August with kick-off scheduled for 2pm.
You can watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event with streaming also available through the Sky Go app and NOW TV for subscribers.
You can also follow all the action with Metro’s LIVE match day blog.
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