A tweak in formation is on the agenda for Crystal Palace against Chelsea this afternoon.
With star midfielder Conor Gallagher unable to play due to the terms of his loan arrangement, Palace boss Patrick Vieira has changed things up rather than the go for a like-for-like replacement, having lost to Thomas Tuchel’s side convincingly during the season opener back in August.
Nathan Ferguson is the only injury absence with James McArthur and Cheikhou Kouyate starting as options in the middle of the park.
McArthur’s return in particular is a major boost after he made a late cameo in the drab draw at Brentford last week, offering Vieira a well-stocked bank of midfield options to cover for Gallagher’s absence.
Crystal Palace starting XI (4-2-3-1): Guatia; Clyne, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; McArthur, Kouyate; Schlupp, Olise, Zaha; Ayew.
Injured: Ferguson (hamstring)
Venue: Selhurst Park
Date and kick-off time: Saturday 19 February at 3pm GMT
