Crystal Palacevs.Chelsea

In the midst of a congested schedule, Maresca decided to give starts to some of his key performers from their Conference League campaign, including Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix.

Chelsea fired a blank at Portman Road though, despite Felix having a goal ruled out for offside, while stand-in keeper Filip Jorgensen also conceded a penalty which gave the hosts the lead.

Therefore, Robert Sanchez is set to return between the sticks, while Nicolas Jackson should start up front, and there could be changes on both flanks too.

Felix and Noni Madueke are likely to make way for Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho, while Malo Gusto should also return at right-back in place of Axel Disasi, who had a difficult night in East Anglia.

Reece James is also contention at right-back though, after returning to the matchday squad last week, but not coming off the bench, with Maresca needing to be careful about how many minutes he plays and in what sort of environment.

In midfield, Romeo Lavia's absence continued despite returning to training, while a knock for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Carney Chukwuemeka's illness has ruled them out since Christmas.

Benoit Badiashile remains out at centre-back so Tosin Adarabioyo should continue to deputise, but Wesley Fofana is closing in on a return from the hamstring problem that has sidelined him for the past month.

Chelsea possible starting lineup:

Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Enzo, Caicedo; Pedro Neto, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson

Written by

Andrew Delaney