Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace team news: Blues handed further defensive blow for Stamford Bridge clash

Chelsea and Crystal Palace have announced their starting lineups for Sunday's Premier League fixture at Stamford Bridge.

Enzo Maresca has been outspoken about his desire to sign a new centre-back as a replacement for the injured Levi Colwill, who has been ruled out for the majority of the campaign with an ACL injury.

The Italian has now been handed a further defensive blow with Tosin Adarabioyo missing out on the showdown with the Eagles due to an injury issue.

Josh Acheampong has been provided with just his second Premier League start and the academy graduate will partner Trevoh Chalobah in the middle of the backline.

Meanwhile, the remainder of the team is the same as the one that started the 4-1 victory over AC Milan in a friendly last weekend, with Jamie Gittens being given his competitive Blues debut on the left flank.

Joao Pedro has been got the nod over Liam Delap, despite the Englishman netting twice as a substitute in that game.

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Palace make one change from Community Shield triumph

As for Crystal Palace, head coach Oliver Glasner has made just the one change to the team that started the Community Shield against Liverpool.

With Daichi Kamada missing out through injury, Will Hughes has returned to the centre of midfield.

Despite speculation regarding their respective futures, Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze both start for the visitors.

Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Acheampong, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Gittens; Pedro

Subs: Jorgensen, Gusto, Fofana, Hato, Essugo, Andrey Santos, George, Estevao, Delap

Crystal Palace XI: Henderson; Munoz, Richards, Lacroix, Guehi, Mitchell; Wharton, Hughes; Sarr, Mateta, Eze

Subs: Benitez, Lerma, Clyne, Esse, Edouard, Sosa, Rak-Sakyi, Devenny, Cardines