Following their home win against Watford FC, Chelsea FC travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace in a game that could have serious ramifications on the Premier League table.
The Blues will be aiming for a win against the Eagles to strengthen their hold on the top-four spot in the league standings. Any slip up cannot be afforded by Frank Lampard’s side at this point of the season. Failure to win at Selhurst Park would mean Manchester United FC can overtake the Blues in the Premier League table if they win their game against Aston Villa later this week.
Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace side have been somewhat of a dark horse this season. The Eagles have upset many big sides in the Premier League so far, and Chelsea FC would be hoping to avoid the same treatment being given to them.
The hosts, however, have been on a torrid run of form recently. Having won their first game post the lockdown period, the Eagles have gone on to lose their last three games. Moreover, Palace have been unable to score in either of the three fixtures, one of which was 4-0 thrashing by the Premier League champions Liverpool.
WHEN & WHERE?
Date: Tuesday 7th July
Time: 6 PM GMT
Venue: Selhurst Park
TEAM NEWS
The hosts will welcome back striker Christian Benteke and the Belgian could start up front for the Eagles on Tuesday. Benteke had been sidelined for Crystal Palace’s recent games due to injury troubles.
Roy Hodgson confirmed in the pre-match interview that Martin Kelly is fit for selection ahead of the Chelsea FC game. However, Palace’s other center-back James Tomkins remains sidelined along with Jeffrey Schlupp.
Chelsea FC were dealt a severe blow when star midfielder N’Golo Kante limped off the pitch in the Blues’ recent encounter with Watford. Frank Lampard confirmed that the French midfielder would miss the game against the Eagles with a hamstring issue. Kante could however be back for Chelsea FC’s upcoming game against Sheffield United.
Jorginho could be given a start by Lampard, with the Italian midfielder having been benched for the last three Premier League fixtures. The 27-year old could be a direct replacement for Kante in the Blues’ midfield.
Matteo Kovacic and English center-back Fikayo Tomori remain sidelined and would not be a part of the Chelsea FC squad that travels to Selhurst Park.
RECENT FORM
Crystal Palace FC: W W L L L
Chelsea FC: W W W L W
CRYSTAL PALACE FC VS CHELSEA FC PREDICTED LINEUP
Crystal Palace FC: Guaita; Joel Ward, Cahill, Sakho, Patrick van Aanholt; Ayew, McArthur, Luka Milivojevic, Jairo Riedewald, Wilfried Zaha; Benteke
Chelsea FC: Kepa; Cesar Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Kurt Zouma, Alonso; Ross Barkley, Jorginho, Mason Mount; Willian, Giroud, Pulisic
