The Blues are set to tackle Crystal Palace on Sunday as they look to keep their hopes of returning to UEFA Champions League competition alive.
Maurizio Sarri led his men to a very narrow victory over Watford at the Vicarage Road during the week, he now faces a very determined Roy Hodgson’s side who are unbeaten in four games.
The Eagles shocked Pep Guardiola’s team last weekend when they condemned the reigning Premier League Champions to a 3-2 defeat at the Selhurst Park Stadium.
However, the former Three Lions manager couldn’t build on the famous victory on Wednesday as he saw his team recorded a goalless draw against relegation-threatened Cardiff City.
He would charge his players to draw inspiring from their victory over City when they come up against the inconsistent Sarri’s team.
TEAM NEWS
Chelsea
The Blues would be without Pedro and Callum Hudson-Odoi as both players picked up hamstring injuries against Watford on Wednesday.
The Spanish winger has been a regular figure for the Blues so far this season and he would definitely be missed later tomorrow.
Callum Hudson-Odoi hasn’t been getting much game-time under the Italian manager but the quality and depth he brings to the team can’t be overemphasized.
The youngster’s injury is a massive blow for Sarri who would have loved to have all his players in perfect condition throughout the busy schedule.
Crystal Palace
Unlike their upcoming opponent, Crystal Palace received a massive injury boost as one of their most influential players Connor Wickham is back to full fitness.
The player has played just two matches in the season due to long-term injury which ruled him out of action for most of the ongoing campaign.
The Eagles have no fresh injury worries ahead of the clash with Chelsea on Sunday, hence, Hodgson has a full squad to choose from.
PREDICTED LINE-UP
Chelsea
In goal, Kepa Arrizabalaga has no competition for the position and he is poised to make his 25th appearances for the West London club since his move from Athletic Bilbao in the summer.
Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Marcos Alonso and Antonio Rudiger are all set to start at the back.
Kante, Jorginho and Kovacic are the likely starters at the middle of the park. While Hazard, Willian and Giroud make up the frontline.
Crystal Palace
Though Wayne Hennessey is striving hard to reclaim his starting role between the sticks, Guaita is likely going to start against the Blues.
Wan-bissaka, Tomkins, Sakho and Van Aanholt are all destined for starting roles at the back on Sunday.
McArthur, Milivojevic, Kouyate, and Meyer will make up a four-man midfield setup. Townsend and Zaha will feature at the final half of the pitch to complete a 4-4-2 formation.
POSSIBLE OUTCOME
Looking at Chelsea’s recent form, you can’t be 100% sure that they will defeat the Eagles by a great number of goals.
However, a victory is very much attainable as they know how important three points means to their mission to finish among the top-four clubs.
“If we did it against City, we can do it against Chelsea” that must be Hodgson’s message to his players ahead of the encounter.
I see the Eagles going all out for maximum points and that might be a dangerous thing to do against a pacy Chelsea frontline.
Final verdict: Palace 1: 2 Chelsea… Do you have any predictions of your own? Then feel free to comment below.
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