Crystal Palace v Chelsea: Match Preview, Team News and Prediction
Chelsea are set to face a litmus test in the form of Crystal Palace on October 1, as Graham Potter prepares for his debut league match as Blues boss.
The West Londoners have been anything but consistent this season, having only won three out of six matches in the Premier League. They also sit bottom of Group E in the Champions League with just one point to their credit.
It doesn’t get easier ahead of a back-breaking October stuffed with fixtures from start to finish. And first up, they’ll have to face the music at one of the most incandescent stadiums across the land – Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace themselves have been victims of the increasing number of draws in the PL. Their last win against Chelsea was in 2017, courtesy of a Cesar Azpilicueta own-goal and a Wilfried Zaha strike in the 45th minute. Since then, they’ve been on the wrong end of the result in nine consecutive matches.
Pressure will be on Patrick Vieira, who knows his side have been semi-polished in most outings and have paid the price. With Chelsea having most of their players back, they’ll have to remain switched on for the largest parts of the game.
Team News
Crystal Palace
Vieira will be without Nathan Ferguson, who remains a long-term casualty. Chris Richards endured a knock during the international break, and that could see him miss out.
James Tomkins’ fitness is in doubt, and we’d have to wait for the manager’s press conference to learn more. On the bright side, James McArthur is set to return.
Chelsea
N’Golo Kante is the headlining news as far as Chelsea are concerned, as he was back doing light training at Cobham.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is a potential starter, after having said he’d need some time to find his best rhythm. It’ll be interesting to see who’s the number one choice in goal, with Edouard Mendy fully fit.
Predicted XI
Crystal Palace (4-3-3): Vicente Guaita; Joel Ward, Joachim Andersen, Marc Guehi, Tyrick Mitchell; Eberechi Eze, Cheick Doucoure, Jeffrey Schlupp; Jordan Ayew, Jean Mateta, Wilfried Zaha
Chelsea (3-4-3): Edouard Mendy; Cesar Azpilicueta, Wesley Fofana, Kalidou Koulibaly; Reece James, Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic, Marc Cucurella; Mason Mount, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Kai Havertz
Prediction
It’s been a season decorated with fighting spirits and comebacks. The Blues are understood to give Potter his time to design a winning unit, but we know patience is not one of the biggest virtues in that part of the capital.
Chelsea will have to play some brave football, believe more in turning the defense and manning central areas.
The Eagles know full well how to defend and hit teams on the counter. Chelsea could take a lead but will be stung by a moment of surprise from the hosts.
Predicted score – Crystal Palace 1-1 Chelsea
-Roy Akarshak
Twitter: @RoyAkarshak