Match Preview
League leader Chelsea will travel to Crystal Palace on Saturday, in search of their eleven consecutive wins as Antonio Conte’s men march for the title.
The Blues look almost invincible at the moment as they are on a phenomenal run of ten successive wins in the Premier League.
We want to keep our place at the top of the table. We have to stay focused. #ComeonChelsea ?? #CHELSEA #PREMIERLIGUE #CFC #DL30 pic.twitter.com/nwQdwqOOz8
— David Luiz (@DavidLuiz_4) December 17, 2016
Chelsea, with 40 points credited to them, is already six points ahead of second-placed Liverpool. Considering their excellent run of form recently and the managerial ability of Conte, the Blues seem to be the top contenders to win English Premier League this season.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, has tasted three defeats in their last five Premier League matches. They lost 2-1 to Manchester United on Wednesday. The Eagles are in the 16th position of the league standings with mere 15 points possible 48.
In the recent matches between these sides, Chelsea was victorious in four of their six encounters against Palace, while the latter managed to disappoint the Blues twice.
Team News: Crystal Palace
Defender Papa N’Diaye Souare is sure to miss the match since he is still undergoing treatment for his broken leg, and the likes of James Tomkins and BakarySako are also sidelined due to groin and knock injuries, respectively.
Jonathan Benteke and Connor Wickham are both ruled out due to their knee injuries while Chelsea loanee Loic Remy is ineligible for selection.
Christian Benteke, who has been the top scorer for Crystal Palace this season, will lead the attack for the home side.
Crystal Palace: Starting Line-up (4-2-3-1)
Hennessey; Kelly, Dann, Delaney, Ward; McArthur, Ledley; Zaha, Cabaye, Puncheon, Benteke
Team News: Chelsea
Captain John Terry is yet to recover from a muscle injury, and he is expected to remain sidelined alongside John Obi Mikel.
Attacking midfielder Oscar was ruled out of the last match against Sunderland due to an illness. He is doubtful for the selection in the coming match as well.
Costa is expected to start once again while Cesc Fabregas, who scored the winning goal vs. Sunderland in the last match, is likely to be a part of starting XI that faces Palace.
Chelsea’s talisman Eden Hazard missed the last match due to a minor injury. The Belgian international has recovered in time for the trip to Palace.
Eden Hazard is back – good news? #CRYCHE https://t.co/uTqecL6hF8
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 17, 2016
Chelsea: Starting Line-up (3-4-3)
Courtois; Cahill, Luiz, Azpilicueta; Moses, Kante, Matic, Alonso; Willian, Costa, Hazard
Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea: Head-to-Head
Total games: 29 Crystal Palace wins: 4 Chelsea wins: 16 Draws: 9
Positive for #Chelsea ?
How the teams who topped the Premier League at Christmas finished the season https://t.co/DDFTjbWTNO #CFC pic.twitter.com/u5wVJJjwJc
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) December 17, 2016
Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea: TV Schedule and Channel
In the U.S., the match will be live on SiriusXM FC, NBCSN, and NBC Sports Live. For other regions, the TV schedule can be found at the link here .
Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea: Prediction
Chelsea looks invincible at the moment. The Blues mustered their way to ten league wins in a row, and they definitely will look to extend that winning streak on Saturday against a relatively inferior opponent.
Crystal Palace lost their last match on their home soil. The Eagles are shy of confidence at present, and the Blues are sure to take advantage of their poor form. We think Chelsea is top favorite to win this match.
Final Predicted Score: Crystal Palace 0-2 Chelsea
Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea: Betting Tips and Odds
- Crystal Palace Win: 11/2
- A draw:31/10
- Chelsea Win: 8/15
- Under 2.5 goals: 6/5
- Over 2.5 goals: 8/13
- Both teams score: 4/6
- Both teams fail to score: 11/10
The Palace vs. Chelsea odds were provided by Paddypower .
Key Stats to consider
- Crystal Palace has won only four out of their 16 Premier League matches so far.
- Crystal Palace has won twice in their last six matches Chelsea in Premier League.
- Chelsea has won their last ten matches in this season’s Premier League.
- Chelsea has conceded only two goals in their last ten Premier League matches.
- Chelsea has won two recent away league matches at Crystal Palace.
The Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea stats were provided by Whoscored .
[Featured Image by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images]