Hazard: If I have to play up front, why not?

The Belgium international admits he prefers to play on the left wing, but also enjoys leading the line, calling on Guus Hiddink to use him in that role if needed.

Chelsea attacking midfielder Eden Hazard insists he is happy to operate as a striker despite preferring to play on the left.

The 24-year-old started up front in Chelsea's 0-0 draw with Manchester United on Monday, for the third time in a month, with regular striker Diego Costa suspended for the trip to Old Trafford.

Costa has been under fire this season while injuries to Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao have limited the Blues' fire power throughout the season, and Hazard is willing to lead the line in future.

"I prefer to play on the left wing but if I have to play up front, why not?" he told the club's official website. "It just means I need to come a bit deeper to get the ball at my feet but I enjoy it.

"It’s the same, my job is always to try to make the difference. When I play as a striker it’s important for me to get into the box when crosses come in and try to get across to the front post."

Hazard was pleased with his performance against United in a game he feels his side should have won, and is now targeting three points in their clash with Crystal Palace on Sunday.

"It was good," he said of his performance against Loius van  Gaal's side. "I just want to be on the pitch, it doesn’t matter if I’m on the left, right, in the ‘number 10’ or as a striker. 

"When we don’t have a striker I can help the team out. I just try to do my job and against United I think I did my job.

"We were unlucky not to score a goal. The result could have been better but that’s football, a draw at Old Trafford is good. 

TEAM NEWS: Diego Costa & Fabregas return for Chelsea

The Spanish duo have both made Guus Hiddink's starting line-up to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, with Pedro and Nemanja Matic the players who drop to the bench.

Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas return to the Chelsea starting XI for Sunday's trip to Crystal Palace, as the Blues looking to continue their recent unbeaten streak.

Guus Hiddink was forced to play without a recognised striker against Manchester United last time out, with Costa suspended and Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao both injured, but a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford meant the club went three games unbeaten since Jose Mourinho was axed.

Costa starts up top at Selhurst Park, with Pedro the man to make way, while Fabregas is restored to the midfield after missing the match against United, with Nemanja Matic dropped.



Unfortunately for Chelsea, Gary Cahill has been unable to shake off an ankle injury and is not even fit enough for a place on the bench, with Kurt Zouma partnering John Terry in the heart of the defence.

Crystal Palace, meanwhile, are without key man Yohan Cabaye, who is serving a suspension, with James McArthur and Mile Jedinak lining up in midfield, while Fraizer Campbell starts up front ahead of Marouane Chamakh.

LINE-UPS IN FULL:

Crystal Palace: Henessey; Ward, Dann, Delaney, Souare; McArthur, Jedinak; Zaha, Lee, Puncheon; Campbell. Subs: McCarthy, Kelly, Ledley, Mutch, J. Williams, Sako, Chamakh.

Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry, Azpilicueta; Mikel, Fabregas; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Costa. Subs: Begovic, Baba, Matic, Loftus-Cheek, Ramires, Traore, Pedro.