Prediction: Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

Verdict: Over 3,5 goals scored – yes

Best Odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: 888sport

Chelsea are on a five-game winning streak in the Premier League, and will look to head into the international break on a strong note. The Blues will take on Crystal Palace this Saturday, knowing a win could put keep their slim title chances alive, especially knowing Manchester City and Liverpool play against each other on Sunday. Kick-off for this match has been set at 12:30 GMT.

Chelsea

Chelsea have been one of the hottest teams in the English Premier League over the past few weeks. Even though they remain eight points away from league leaders Liverpool, The Blues are on a spectacular five-game winning streak that has seen them establish themselves as one of the few teams in the league that can challenge The Reds and Manchester City for the title. Frank Lampard’s men currently own the league’s third-best attack in the competition with 25 goals scored, but their defence needs to tighten things up since they have conceded 17 times already. No team among the Top 12 in the EPL standings has conceded as many goals as Chelsea thus far. But they have taken a few positive steps of late, conceding just four goals in their last five league matches. They are coming off a solid 2-1 away win at Watford the last time out.

Team News

Jorginho (suspension), Antonio Rudiger (groin), Marco van Ginkel (knee) and Reuben Loftus-Cheek (Achilles) have all been ruled out of this match.

Ross Barkley and Mason Mount are both dealing with ankle injuries. Both have been listed as game-time decisions for Lampard.

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have been one of the most surprising teams in the Premier League this season. Even though their numbers do not stand out – they currently sit in ninth place with 15 points and are currently riding a three-game winless run – they have performed admirably against Top 6 opposition. They have only one defeat in four away matches against those rivals in the current term (W2, D1, L1) and a win against The Blues would do wonders for their confidence. Not only it would snap the team’s three-game negative streak, but it would also push the London-based club one step closer towards a potential UEFA Europa League berth. Given how tight the standings are, Palace have the right to dream with a European berth. And winning at Chelsea would certify they are ready to compete with the big boys on a weekly basis.

Team News

Mamadou Sakho (muscle) and Connor Wickham (undisclosed) have been ruled out for this match.

Andros Townsend (muscle) and James McArthur (back) are both questionable. Both will be game-time decisions for the coaching staff.

Key Factors to Consider

• Chelsea enter this game on a five-game winning run in the Premier League. They have scored 13 goals while conceding four over that span.
• Three of Chelsea’s last four league matches have featured over 2.5 goals in total. All three have also witnessed both sides scoring.
• Crystal Palace won’t be an easy opponent for The Blues. They have taken seven points out of a possible 12 on the road against last season’s Top 6 sides (W2, D1, L1).
• The Eagles have scored from the penalty spot in their last two away matches. Can they make it three in a row here?
• Chelsea have avoided defeat in all of the four Premier League home games to see them score first this season.

Conclusion

Chelsea certainly look like the stronger side here even though they will be depleted. Palace might miss a couple of key players as well, and that shouldn’t bode well for their chances.

This game should be quite open. Considering three of Chelsea’s last four matches, as well as Palace’s last two away contests, have featured at least three goals scored, I expect this game to end with over 3.5 goals.

Verdict: Over 3,5 goals scored – yes

Best Odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: 888sport