Chelsea fans’ preferred lineup against Crystal Palace: Jorginho to start alongside super-duo Mount & Barkley

Chelsea got back to winning ways over the weekend and will look to continue doing so against Crystal Palace. The Eagles have had somewhat of a mixed season, being anywhere between good and abysmal depending on the weather. However, Roy Hodgson wouldn’t be the first to hand us an unexpected defeat this season...

THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE

Prior to the lockdown the WAGNH community’s votes were often quite balanced with regards to formations. Times have changed however, and these days the 4-2-3-1 (17%) is clearly unfavored over the 4-3-3, and it’s not even close.

There also wasn’t much question over the starting lineup this time around, starting with goalkeeper, where Willy Caballero collected just a token 3%.

The back four’s solid performance against Watford sees Reece James, Kurt Zouma, Andreas Christensen, and César Azpilicueta all keep their places. Antonio Rüdiger (22%) and Marcos Alonso (22%) only make the bench while Emerson (4%) is barely in the conversation.

With N’Golo Kanté and Mateo Kovačić injured, Jorginho is introduced to the starting eleven for the first time since the restart. Neither Billy Gilmour (25%) nor Ruben Loftus-Cheek (25%) could displace Chelsea’s newest dream combo in Ross Barkley and Mason Mount — not something many would have expected not long ago, that’s for sure.

Olivier Giroud rightfully keeps his spot ahead of Tammy Abraham (19%) after yet another crucial goal. Christian Pulisic’s phenomenal displays and Willian’s rich vein of form have made their selections no-brainers. If they are to be displaced by Pedro (5%) or Callum Hudson-Odoi (16%) anytime soon, those two will have to really step up their game.

4-3-3 (79%):
Arrizabalaga (97%) | Azpilicueta (92%), Zouma (91%), Christensen (85%), James (83%) | Barkley (82%), Jorginho (76%), Mount (92%) | Pulisic (93%), Giroud (81%), Willian (84%)

PREFERRED LINEUP

The way this lineup performed on Saturday and the surprising defensive solidity it showed just about makes their selections un-debatable.

Clean sheet again, please.

4-3-3:
Arrizabalaga | Azpilicueta, Zouma, Christensen, James | Barkley, Jorginho, Mount | Pulisic, Giroud, Willian

COME ON YOU BLUES!