Interim manager, Guus Hiddink will be looking for his first three points as Chelsea boss when his team face Crystal Palace away from home.
Palace’s list of absentees has grown with Yohan Cabaye missing through suspension and Patrick Bamford’s loan spell ending.
Attacking quartet Yannick Bolasie, Connor Wickham, Bakary Sako and Dwight Gayle all remain injured.
Chelsea have striker Diego Costa back from suspension.
Gary Cahill is expected to shake off a minor ankle injury but Loic Remy is doubtful and Radamel Falcao again misses out.
Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew: “The results suggest my first year has gone well. I’ve bonded with the chairman and we have a fanbase second to none.
“We’ve had an unbelievable year but you can’t stand still in the Premier League. I’d like a striker in the window.
“With the bodies we have available I’m confident but Chelsea looked more assured against Man Utd so they’re favourites”.
Chelsea interim manager Guus Hiddink: “We had two tough games against Watford and Manchester United.
“The physical intensity was high in both games, but we didn’t have big damage.”
Chelsea have won nine and lost just two of the 13 Premier League meetings with Crystal Palace.
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