Prediction: Crystal Palace vs Chelsea

Prediction: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: bet365

It’s back to basics this weekend with even more Premier League action to sample, and this should be a good one. Crystal Palace will host Chelsea in an all-London derby, with both teams possessing very different goals throughout the remainder of the season. Both sides have very different styles and that much has become obvious throughout the course of the campaign thus far, but either way, we’re anticipating a really entertaining game.

Crystal Palace

While he may not have set the world on fire with England, there’s simply no denying Roy Hodgson’s credentials in club football anymore. He just seems to know how to steady the ship when given the right job, which is exactly what he’s managed to do at Palace thus far. He may not be viewed as the long term solution but he doesn’t really need to be, especially when you consider the fact that the Eagles should easily steer clear of relegation this season (in our opinion).

Team News

Martin Kelly and Wayne Hennessey are both set to be doubts for this one, but likely wouldn’t feature all too much either way. Jeffrey Schlupp is tipped to replace Max Meyer but despite the quick turnaround from Boxing Day, Hodgson isn’t expected to make too many alterations to his starting XI.

Chelsea

Chelsea may not be contending for the title, but they’ve still got a lot to fight for this season. It’s not unreasonable to suggest that they could pick up a piece of silverware in addition to securing a top half finish, and if that winds up being the case, then we’d imagine most Blues fans would consider that a pretty strong first season under the new boss.

Team News

Pedro and Callum Hudson-Odoi are expected to be ruled out of this one courtesy of muscle strains on Boxing Day, with Olivier Giroud being tipped to come back into the first team. Either Ross Barkley or Ruben Loftus-Cheek are also expected to make an appearance.

Factors to Consider

• The game will be played at Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park.
• Crystal Palace have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• Chelsea have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games.
• Chelsea lead the overall head to head standings 26-12 with 15 draws.
• Chelsea won their last meeting 3-1 back in November.

Conclusion

This is going to be a really interesting game, because we all know that Crystal Palace are more than capable of pulling a rabbit out of the hat – just as they did against Manchester City. Alas, it doesn’t feel like it’s going to be that easy here, with the Blues possessing the ability to hit you on the counter when you least expect it. We think it’s going to be close with Palace potentially equalising after the Blues first take the lead, but in the end, Maurizio Sarri’s side will run out 3-1 winners in an entertaining encounter.

Prediction: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: bet365