Chelsea are back in action after just two days’ break from our last Premier League clash, when we beat the relegation-zoned Sunderland 1-0 at Stadium of Light on Wednesday evening.
It’s actually a derby day this one, as even though we’re playing away, the travel isn’t actually that far away from SW6. It’s a derby day between Chelsea and Crystal Palace, the two great London-based clubs on a slightly different level at the moment.
Flashback Friday: @oscar8's free-kick against Crystal Palace in 2014👌 https://t.co/Uc1KJ4s7ND
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 16, 2016
Alan Pardew’s side lost 2-1 on Wednesday when they hosted José Mourinho’s Manchester United. They were not far away from a draw, but their injury concerns alongside the busy schedule are no help whatsoever. Chelsea on the other hand are determined to win their eleventh league game on the bounce, but as Antonio Conte today admitted, such an impressive run only makes the opponents have “nothing to lose” when facing us.
Match Details
Kick-off at 12.30pm, Selhurst Park
You can watch the game live from TV on Sky Sports, or follow the commentary on our live blog.
One to watch
Wilfried Zaha – The Crystal Palace winger is currently in a flying form and the Blues defenders have to be careful, as his goal against Hull City a week ago showed how the young Englishman is well capable of pulling a rabbit out of the hat anytime during the game. He has the ability to decide the game for his team and can link up well with the Eagles striker Christian Benteke and Jason Puncheon, who returns from his suspension for Saturday’s game.
Injury News
Alan Pardew is having a serious headache over the long list of injuries in his side. Mathieu Flamini suffered an injury to keep him sidelined tomorrow, while Sako, Wickham, Remy, Mandanda and Tomkins are also ruled out for a longer period.
Chelsea welcome back Eden Hazard, who stayed home over the Blues’s 1-0 victory past Sunderland this week due to a minor knock. Conte today confirmed that the star man is making his return already now, and no new injury worries have emerged. John Terry is still out with a gluteal strain, and there’s no return date confirmed.
Recent form
Crystal Palace: L W D L L (Goals for: 12 Goals against: 11)
Chelsea: W W W W W (Goals for: 8 Goals against: 2)
Last three league meetings
Chelsea 1 (Hazard) Crystal Palace 0 – Stamford Bridge, May 2015
Chelsea 1 (Falcao) Crystal Palace 2 (Sako, Ward) – Stamford Bridge, August 2015
Crystal Palace 0 Chelsea 3 (Oscar, Willian, Costa) – Selhurst Park, January 2016
Match prediction
I’m expecting an entertaining fixture with lots of chances coming in to both ways, but confident enough to claim Chelsea will win by two goals to nil.
