Felix hoping to get his first start (Picture: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Chelsea take on Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge this afternoon as they look to make it two wins on the bounce in the Premier League.
After his stunning hat-trick against Wolves last time out, Noni Madueke was handed his first senior England call-up on Wednesday.
He will hope to continue what has been a fine week with a starting role today– although the 22-year-old did play an hour as the Blues narrowly avoided a European embarrassment against Servette on Thursday.
Christopher Nkunku, on the score sheet from the penalty spot again in that game, played the full 90, suggesting he may be among the subs when his side kick off against the Eagles.
Neither Joao Felix and Pedro Neto were involved in the midweek clash and could be considered for starting roles.
Wesley Fofana meanwhile was also among those who didn’t feature in Switzerland and is expected to come back into the side and partner Levi Colwill.
Romeo Lavia missed last weekend’s 6-2 victory and did not travel with the Blues squad for that Europa Conference play-off having picked up a minor hamstring injury.
Chelsea’s Portuguese duo hoping to start (Picture: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Having not been seen in any training images released by the club this week, Chelsea may opt to not take any risks over his return with the international break also looming.
After a frantic transfer deadline day, neither Victor Osimhen nor Ivan Toney arrived in west London but Jadon Sancho did make the move back down south with the Londoner joining on a season-long loan from Manchester United.
How Chelsea could line up this weekend…
The winger will have to wait for his debut but will have time to get up to speed under Maresca during the international break.
Predicted Chelsea XI to face Crystal Palace
Sanchez, Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Madueke, Palmer, Felix, Jackson
Where to watch Man Utd vs Brighton? Kick-off time and TV channel
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace kicks off at 1:30pm on Sunday September 1.
The match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
Chelsea news, exclusives and analysis
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