Chelsea v Crystal Palace – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Chelsea face Crystal Palace in the English Premier League on Sunday. The Blues have lost two of their four matches in all competitions under Enzo Maresca. Palace have lost both of their league matches this term after six wins in seven to finish last season.

Chelsea Form

Chelsea’s final 15 league matches of last term saw just one loss. It was 10 wins and two draws at home in the final 12 EPL matches at Stamford Bridge to finish last season. To start this campaign, the Blues lost 2-0 at home to Man City in Enzo Maresca’s first match as coach.

After beating Servette 2-0 at home in the Europa Conference League qualifying first leg, they went to Wolves and won 5-2. Chelsea dominated the second half, having 61% possession and scoring three goals. On Thursday night, Maresca’s side were beaten 2-1 in Switzerland by Servette. They qualified 3-2 on aggregate though.

Chelsea Team News

Reece James remains suspended for Chelsea and Romeo Lavia is an injury doubt. Pedro Neto is also carrying a knock and may not start. Joao Felix is available after a debut goal at Wolves.

Noni Madueke should keep his place down the right wing. With Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson in central areas, there is only room for one of Neto, Felix, Christopher Nkunku, or Mykhailo Mudryk.

Chelsea Motivation

Enzo Maresca’s side will look to dominate possession. Nothing less than a win will do from this home match.

Chelsea have looked very open this season and will give Palace some space to use counter attacks.

Crystal Palace Form

Palace ended last season in incredible form. Their final seven league matches saw six wins. That streak included a 1-0 win at Liverpool, thrashing West Ham 5-2 and beating Man Utd 4-0. On the final day, they won 5-0 at home to Aston Villa in an incredible set of results.

This season began with a late 2-1 loss at Brentford. Last weekend, they hit the woodwork twice and had 14 shots in a 2-0 home defeat to West Ham. A 4-0 win in midweek at home to Norwich in the Carabao Cup restored some confidence.

Crystal Palace Team News

Coach Oliver Glasner looks set to make two big signings on deadline day. Wolfsburg center-back Maxence Lacroix is set to sign for £18m and could be registered in time to play. Young defender Chadli Riad is set to be absent with a knee injury.

Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah is nearing a move for around £30m and could be on the bench. Matheus Franca is doubtful in attack. Daichi Kamada may start after scoring vs Norwich. Marc Guehi will start if his move to Newcastle doesn’t materialise.

Crystal Palace Motivation

This Palace team is enterprising and exciting but can also absorb pressure in a back five.

They need a point in the league and would take a draw at Stamford Bridge.

Key Stats

Chelsea have won 10 of their last 13 home matches

Chelsea have scored 2+ goals in 13 of their last 15 league matches

Chelsea’s Cole Palmer scored 27 goals last season

Crystal Palace have won 6 of their last 9 league matches

Crystal Palace have lost their last 14 matches vs Chelsea (all competitions)

Verdict

Chelsea have a great record against Palace and some serious firepower to call upon. I see the hosts conceding but having enough to take the win.

Best Bet: Both Teams to Score at 1.52
Value Bet: Chelsea win and both teams to score at 2.85
Goalscorer Tip: Cole Palmer to score anytime at 2.05

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis