Chelsea will be hoping to start the new year strong when they visit Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.
Back-to-back defeats have dropped the Blues to fourth in the Premier League, and Enzo Maresca's men will be keen to return to Selhurst Park. While the title task is likely to be very difficult, they are well placed to achieve Champions League qualification in the Italian manager's first season.
Chelsea have an exceptional record against Crystal Palace, but have dropped points against so-called 'lesser' teams in recent matches. Everton, Fulham and Ipswich Town have all struggled with Maresca's side in the Premier League.
Here's how Chelsea He could be lining up for an important trip through London.
Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez – Philip Jorgensen received a rare Premier League Midweek starts with Marisca rotating but Sanchez remains number one. The Spaniard should be back between the sticks at a raucous Selhurst Park stadium.
Right-back: Malo Gusto – Axel Disasi's error proved costly against Ipswich and Giusto should return to the starting line-up after only being used from the bench at Portman Road. Reece James was among the substitutes against the Tractor Boys but will not be rushed back into action.
Centre-back: Tosin Adarabioyo – Injuries to Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile have not helped Chelsea's recent fortunes, but Tosin remains a competent defender. However, he will be busy with Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Centre-back: Levi Colwell – Like Adarabioyo, Cobham graduate Colwell struggled against Liam Delap's physicality last time out. He will be tested by the similarly strong Mateta at Selhurst Park.
LB: Mark Cucurella – The double act of Daniel Munoz and Ismaila Sarr could present a challenge for Cucurella, who will need plenty of support from Pedro Neto. However, the Spaniard could cause problems for Munoz at the other end.
DM: Moises Caicedo – Caicedo was one of Chelsea's strongest performers against Ipswich, and has generally provided consistency and solidity in the sixth round this season. The Ecuadorian will be tasked with stifling Sarr and Ebereshi Eze when they drift inside.
DM: Enzo Fernandez – Fernandes' excellent run of goals and assists has dwindled in recent matches, although the World Cup winner still enjoys a more senior role. He scored in this exact game last season.
RW: Noni Madueke – Chelsea need more consistency from Madueke, who continues to attack on the right wing. The five-cap England international should enjoy an exciting battle with the defensive-minded Tyreek Mitchell.
AM: Cole Palmer – Palmer came close on several occasions against Ipswich and is always the most likely to spark joy at Chelsea. He has scored three goals in his last three away games and will no doubt cause havoc to Palace's midfield and defence.
Left wing: Pedro Neto – Joao Felix is likely to return to the bench on Saturday, with Neto and Jadon Sancho competing for his starting place. The Portuguese might emerge victorious in that particular encounter as he looks to impress Maresca.
ST: Nicholas Jackson – Christopher Nkunku has failed to impress in an increasingly unusual Premier League start at Portman Road, with Maresca's favored number nine returning against Palace. Jackson has nine league goals this season but has missed the last three.