Smith, a seasoned football analyst, believes that Palace’s squad is no match for Chelsea’s firepower, particularly with the likes of Nicolas Jackson leading the line and Cole Palmer pulling the strings in midfield.
“Crystal Palace are in trouble with this lineup,” Smith said. “They’re facing a Chelsea team that’s packed with talent and depth, and I just can’t see them coping. Jackson and Palmer are a nightmare to defend against, and with the likes of Madueke and Neto providing width, Palace’s defense will be stretched to the limit.”
Smith also questioned Palace’s midfield options, suggesting that they lack the creativity and steel to compete with Chelsea’s dominant duo of Caicedo and Fernandez.
“Palace’s midfield is too lightweight, too pedestrian,” Smith added. “They’ll get overrun by Chelsea’s midfield pair, and that will give Palace’s defense no chance. It’s a mismatch, and I think Chelsea will win comfortably.”
Chelsea will host Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, seeking to return to winning ways. Enzo Maresca is expected to make changes to his lineup, despite having a relatively healthy squad. Jadon Sancho, who completed his move to Chelsea after the summer transfer window closed, will not feature in the match.
Reece James remains the only notable absentee due to a hamstring injury, while Romeo Lavia faces a late fitness test to determine his availability. Maresca did not discuss team news in his pre-match comments but praised Cole Palmer’s progress, saying, “I’ve been impressed with Cole… He has to enjoy training every day, and the goals and assists will come for sure.”
Predicted Chelsea XI:
- Robert Sanchez (goalkeeper)
- Malo Gusto (right-back)
- Wesley Fofana (center-back)
- Levi Colwill (center-back)
- Marc Cucurella (left-back)
- Moises Caicedo (midfielder)
- Enzo Fernandez (midfielder)
- Noni Madueke (right winger)
- Cole Palmer (attacking midfielder)
- Pedro Neto (left winger)
- Nicolas Jackson (striker)
Options on the bench include Christopher Nkunku, Joao Felix, Mykhailo Mudryk, Romeo Lavia, and Carney Chukwuemeka. Maresca’s lineup selection will be crucial in determining Chelsea’s success against Crystal Palace.