Chelsea host Crystal Palace on Saturday for their 12th Premier League game of the season. A win could make it 6 Premier League wins in a row for the Londoners and could at least temporarily move to the 2nd spot on the table.
Chelsea have been in terrific form lately in the Premier League but were knocked out of the League Cup by Manchester United 1-2 last Wednesday. Chelsea were also involved in a mammoth 4-4 draw against Ajax Amsterdam in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, in a game marred by controversy and red cards.
Manager, Frank Lampard stated, “I have had some mad nights and some great nights. [But] I don’t think I’ve been involved in a game like that”. Lampard would be concerned by the knock sustained by midfielder Mason Mount which saw him being substituted at the 60 minutes mark.
Crystal Palace come into the game have being beaten by rampant Leicester City 2-0 last Sunday. Their away form has been good this season and Manager Roy Hodgson has been able to get the team up and running. Their recent points conversion against the top 6 looks ‘not so good’ but the Eagles did manage to beat Manchester United 2-1 courtesy of a stoppage time winner from Patrick Van-Aanholt.
Palace have beaten Chelsea 4 times since their return in 2012-13.
This fixture last season saw Chelsea win 3-1 thanks to Spaniard Alvaro Morata, who scored a brace.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS:
Manager Frank Lampard told reporters on Friday that Ross Barkley is not in Saturday’s squad due to an ‘ongoing issue’.
Mason Mount’s availablility depends on whether he passes a fitness test on Saturday morning.
N’golo Kante is fit and is expected to be named in the starting eleven.
Tammy Abraham and Willian are also expected to keep their places.
Emerson would be continuing the the left back role. Croat Mateo Kovacic, who had an outstanding game against Watford last Sunday is set to slot in the CDM role. American Winger Christian Pulisic has been in rampant form lately with 4 goals in his last 2 starts is expected to be named in the starting XI.
Predicted Line-Ups:
Kepa, Azpilicueta (C), Tomori, Zouma, Emerson, Kovacic, Kante, Mount, Willian, Pulisic, Abraham. 4-2-3-1
Kouyate and Cahill, suffered head injuries in the last game against Leicester but are expected to be named in the lineup.
CB Mamadou Sakho is still not fit enough to start for the Eagles and Connor Wickham also remains out. Andros Townsend is also a doubt for the match.
The signing of striker Jordon Ayew has brought a lot of excitement to Palace fans and the Ghanian has already delivered. Wilfried Zaha is also in position to bolster up attack but is yet to strike form this season.
The Eagles would be relying on wing backs Patrick Van Aanholt and Joel Ward to join attack.
Predicted Line-Ups:
Guaita, Van Aanholt, Cahill, Tomkins, Ward, Schlupp, Kouyate, Milivojevic (C), McCarthy, Zaha, Ayew 4-5-1
Referee: Mike Dean
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London (41631)
English Premier League, Round 12
Time: 12:30 GMT, Saturday.
