Premier League Preview - Chelsea

Palace travel to Champions Chelsea in a bid to keep their impressive away form intact. Alan Pardew’s side have gained the most points in the Premier League away from home in 2015.

The Blues have had a very difficult start to the campaign including a heavy away defeat to title challengers Manchester City. Chelsea have only won once in their first three competitive games having only tasted victory last weekend with a convincing win over West Bromwich Albion. In contrast Palace have lost only one of their first four which was a home defeat to Arsenal.

Chelsea’s spending this summer has seen Spanish winger Pedro, left back Baba Rahman and loanee Radamel Falcao become the new faces at Stamford Bridge. Everton’s John Stones appears to be their latest target but the Toffees remain firm over the young English defenders unavailability.

Team News

Chelsea – John Terry is suspended for the visit of Palace after being sent off in Saturday’s win over West Brom. Gary Cahill should deputise after overcoming a broken nose while Brazilian midfielder Oscar is sidelined. Baba Rahman could make his debut. Victor Moses may continue to miss out because of a knock.

Crystal Palace – This game looks too early for Julian Speroni to make a return to the starting eleven. Wilfried Zaha may not start after playing the whole game plus extra time in midweek. Yannick Bolasie returns to the squad having missed last week’s win over Aston Villa due to family reasons. Captain Mile Jedinak limped off in Tuesday’s cup win and is doubtful. Patrick Bamford is not available to play against his parent club while fellow strikers Wickham, Campbell, Chamakh and Appiah all remain missing through injury.

Action Replay

Chelsea did the double over the Eagles last season in their impressive title winning season both by the single goal. Eden Hazard’s penalty secured the title for Chelsea the last time the two sides met.

18th October 2014: Crystal Palace 1-2 Chelsea – Red cards for Azpilicueta and Delaney were the talking points while goals from Oscar and Fabregas for the visitors just held off the hosts after a late Campbell goal.
3rd May 2015: Chelsea 1-0 Crystal Palace – A controversial penalty by Hazard sealed the points and the title but the Eagles arguably deserved more from the game.

One to watch

Eden Hazard

The Belgian wonder kid has yet to hit form for this season so far as too have Chelsea. He has the ability to change a game very quickly and his goal scoring form is impressive. Chelsea will need him to be at his best in order to compete with challenge of Manchester City.

Predictions

Final league position – 2nd

Chelsea will have a real fight on their hands this year. Manuel Pelligrini’s Manchester City are on a nine game winning streak at the moment and they look unstoppable having cruised past Chelsea recently. Their season really depends on the fitness of Diego Costa after struggling with a hamstring injury towards the end of the last campaign as they will need his contribution of goals.