Chelsea kick off 2025 against Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon as the Blues look to end their mini blip in form with three points at Selhurst Park.

The west Londoners are winless in their last three matches and have actually been beaten in the previous two. Enzo Maresca has now suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time in his reign as Chelsea head coach and faces some big decisions when his side take on the Eagles on Saturday.

Filip Jorgensen came into the XI at Portman Road and it felt very much like what happened at Southampton last month. At St Mary's, Jorgensen came into the line-up in place of Robert Sanchez but it was more to rest the latter than anything else, so there is a general feeling that the Spaniard will reclaim his place in south London this weekend.

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Axel Disasi is likely going to be taken out of the team after a poor showing in Ipswich. Malo Gusto is the likely candidate to start at right-back with Reece James being eased back in and Josh Acheampong yet to play a single minute in the Premier League.

With James, it is clear Maresca will take his time with him - and that seems like the sensible decision. Saying that, though, the Blues' head coach would like there to be a circumstance where he can bring his captain on at some point over the next few matches.

Tosin Adarabioyo and Levi Colwill are almost certain to continue in the centre of the Chelsea defence. Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile both remain absent through injuries, meaning the Blues are pretty short in the centre-back department.

Marc Cucurella is expected to continue on the left-hand side of defence. Meanwhile, it is likely we will see Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo in the middle of the pitch. We will hear more on Romeo Lavia and his current situation on Friday during Maresca's press conference, but - even if he was fit - the Belgian would not be a position to start.

Pedro Neto could return to the side after a less than impactful performance from Noni Madueke on Monday. Jadon Sancho, too, could take Joao Felix's place on the left wing with Cole Palmer in the No.10 spot - of course.

Christopher Nkunku was given his opportunity at Ipswich but the French forward failed to take it. What Nicolas Jackson offers you off-the-ball is a lot more than Nkunku, who just did not look comfortable playing in the No.9 role in the defeat in East Anglia.

Whatever team is fielded, Chelsea should have more than enough to beat the Eagles on Saturday. The Blues will be desperate to ensure this blip does not turn into anything worse at Selhurst Park.