Following a shock 3-2 loss at West Ham, the Blues returned to winning ways in sumptuous style with a 3-0 rout of Watford. They have won four of their five games in all competitions since the restart, but Frank Lampard knows there is no time to rest or dwell.
As expected, the situation in a London derby would be no different, especially since the Eagles have a knack of upsetting big sides.
Although, the Blues have won four of their previous five meetings against the South Londoners at Selhurst Park, who also do not have form on their side.
Roy Hodgson’s troops won their first game after the restart, but have since lost thrice in a row without managing to score. Nevertheless, one simply cannot write them off.
On that note, we bring all you need to know ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Palace.
Crystal Palace v Chelsea: Head-to-head
Crystal Palace wins: 12
Chelsea wins: 28
Draws: 15
Crystal Palace v Chelsea: Form Guide
Last 5 matches (in the Premier League)
Crystal Palace: L-L-L-W-W
Chelsea: W-L-W-W-W
Crystal Palace v Chelsea: Team News
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace will most likely start Christian Benteke upfront after his return against Leicester City, but are still sweating over the fitness of James McCarthy and Cheikhou Kouyate.
Earlier in his press conference, Roy Hodgson confirmed the return of centre-back Martin Kelly, although the defender is some way off match fitness. The likes of Jeffrey Schlupp and James Tomkins, meanwhile, remained sidelined.
Injuries: James Tomkins, Jeffrey Schlupp
Doubtful: Martin Kelly
Suspensions: None
Chelsea
Lampard announced that Chelsea will be without the in-form N’Golo Kante, as well as Mateo Kovacic and Fikayo Tomori, due to hamstring, Achilles, and muscle injuries respectively.
Addressing the media ahead of the game, Lampard said:
This only implies that Jorginho, who has not featured at all since the restart, is set to line up at the heart of midfield.
Injuries: N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Fikayo Tomori
Doubtful: None
Suspensions: None
Crystal Palace v Chelsea: Probable XI
Crystal Palace predicted XI (4-5-1): Vicente Guaita; Joel Ward, Gary Cahill, Mamadou Sakho, Patrick van Aanholt; Jordan Ayew, James McArthur, Luka Milivojevic, Jairo Riedewald, Wilfried Zaha; Christian Benteke
Chelsea predicted XI (4-3-3): Kepa Arrizabalaga; Reece James, Andreas Christensen, Kurt Zouma, Cesar Azpilicueta; Ross Barkley, Jorginho, Mason Mount; Willian, Olivier Giroud, Christian Pulisic
Crystal Palace v Chelsea: Match Prediction
There is only one way the Eagles will set up against Chelsea. They will form a clustered midfield in front of a narrow back four, allowing the Blues to cross but not penetrate.
For sure, one can expect them to endure 10-15 minutes of relentless attacking through the left flank, and they may well succeed in breaching an erratic Chelsea defence.
It might turn out to be another frustrating spell for the visitors, who might surrender their fourth place to Manchester United.
Predicted score: Crystal Palace 1-0 Chelsea
Also read: Chelsea 3-0 Watford: Blues’ Player Ratings as they reclaim 4th spot | Premier League 2019-20
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