Chelsea will be looking to win their first home match of the season this Saturday when they welcome Crystal Palace to Stamford Bridge. The visitors have impressed so far, winning two of their three Premier League matches since the start of the campaign. Chelsea have won seven of the previous eight matches against Palace, including both matches last season. Crystal Palace have beaten Chelsea 1-0 at Selhurst Park in 2014 after a 21-year stretch without a win against the Blues.
Chelsea were held to a draw at home by Swansea on opening day, then were crushed 3-0 by Manchester City before capturing their first win of the season at West Brom last weekend. Former Barcelona winger Pedro scored on his debut and also provided an assist for Diego Costa. John Terry is suspended for the match, so Gary Cahill will play alongside Kurt Zouma at the heart of the defence. Oscar could miss out through injury.
Palace started their season with a 3-1 victory over Norwich, then were defeated 2-1 by Arsenal before securing a 2-1 win over Aston Villa. However, they produced a weak performance in the League Cup this week as they needed extra time to see off Shrewsbury Town. Connor Wickham is struggling with a rib injury and might miss out while Patrick Bamford, on loan from Chelsea, can not play against his parent club.
Probable line-ups:
Chelsea: Courtois - Ivanovic, Cahill, Zouma, Azpilicueta - Matic, Fabregas - Hazard, Willian, Pedro - Costa
Crystal Palace: McCarthy - Ward, Dann, Delaney, Souare - McArthur, Cabaye, Zaha - Sako, Puncheon, Murray
My prediction: Chelsea to win 4-1.
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
Chelsea win - 1.36 Draw - 5.00 Crystal Palace win - 11.00
mdacic 8 years ago
It is time for red light in Chelsea. They don't play like everybody was expecting, while Manchester City has all wins and maybe they could lost tittle because of bad start. Season is long but it is hard to catch Manchester city and I think that because of bad start they will pay price and they won't be first at the end....
It is time for red light in Chelsea. They don't play like everybody was expecting, while Manchester City has all wins and maybe they could lost tittle because of bad start. Season is long but it is hard to catch Manchester city and I think that because of bad start they will pay price and they won't be first at the end.
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galata86 8 years ago
This is shocking result for me. I was watching this game and I can't understand how Chelsea concede two goals. This is not same defense without John Terry and I think that is main reason why they concede two goals. Chelsea is in big trouble because Manchester City have all wins so far and they should do something about...
This is shocking result for me. I was watching this game and I can't understand how Chelsea concede two goals. This is not same defense without John Terry and I think that is main reason why they concede two goals. Chelsea is in big trouble because Manchester City have all wins so far and they should do something about that very soon.
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rikimartin4444_115925 8 years ago
Another big unpleasant surprise was prepared by Chelsea. They lost at home against Crystal Palace 2-1. Players who last year were fantastic this season are in poor shape. Ivanovic, Terry, Diego Costa, Fabregas, Matic, they play below their level. I think Mourinho has to change something this season. New players will bring...
Another big unpleasant surprise was prepared by Chelsea. They lost at home against Crystal Palace 2-1. Players who last year were fantastic this season are in poor shape. Ivanovic, Terry, Diego Costa, Fabregas, Matic, they play below their level. I think Mourinho has to change something this season. New players will bring new energy to their game.
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GREGJO 8 years ago
I don't know what's happened with Chelsea but they are not the same team as they were in the last year. I don't believe this team will be able to defend thier title. Manchester City are the best team in the Premier League in this season and they have enough quality to win the title.
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seculla 8 years ago
I'm more than happy that I didn't get on time to write my opinion and prediction about this game here, I would be ashamed :P I expected "just another day in the office" for Chelsea, but it turns up that it will be that for Crystal Palace players. They knew how to stop Chelsea's attackers and on the other side, they knew...
I'm more than happy that I didn't get on time to write my opinion and prediction about this game here, I would be ashamed :P I expected "just another day in the office" for Chelsea, but it turns up that it will be that for Crystal Palace players. They knew how to stop Chelsea's attackers and on the other side, they knew how to take advantage on mistakes that their defense did. Great match for Crystal Palace and very bad start of a season for Chelsea.
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Shumar4life 8 years ago
This was terrible day for Chelsea, and it was obvious that they are completely out of the form at the start of the season. Somehow I believe that they will not improve in the future, and main question for me is how much time will Abramovic give to Mourinho to improve form. Their main problem are defenders
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sharpe 8 years ago
Many people underestimate Crystal Palace as a team but I think that Alan Pardew is a great manager and he was very active on the transfer market since he take the charge at the club. They was just great in this game scoring two beautiful goals and created some other chances so I think their victory was fully deserved....
Many people underestimate Crystal Palace as a team but I think that Alan Pardew is a great manager and he was very active on the transfer market since he take the charge at the club. They was just great in this game scoring two beautiful goals and created some other chances so I think their victory was fully deserved. Chelsea loosing touch with Man City now and they really have to raise their game.
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Alexa Alexa 8 years ago
Chelsea is a big favourite.Everything except win of the Blues would be great surprise.After win in last round,I suppose Chelsea will continue witth good games.Crystal Palace definitely aint no such a dangerous team when they are away from home.My prediction is 2 0 win for the BLues.
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advoghado 8 years ago
Chelsea is totally favorite, the team is better, this is fact, but soccer always brings surprises and the Crystal Palace has won twice this season, something that teams considered stronger in BPL still did not. I expect a well-played game, with both teams trying to score goals, and I will not be surprised if this game happens...
Chelsea is totally favorite, the team is better, this is fact, but soccer always brings surprises and the Crystal Palace has won twice this season, something that teams considered stronger in BPL still did not. I expect a well-played game, with both teams trying to score goals, and I will not be surprised if this game happens many goals. I think both teams make goals
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