Crystal Palace vs Chelsea preview as Premier League context shifts
Chelsea’s return to the Premier League this weekend arrives wrapped in momentum and questions in equal measure. Travelling throughout London to face Crystal Palace, the Blues are chasing a 3rd consecutive win throughout all competitions, whereas their hosts are navigating one of many extra unsettled spells in latest reminiscence.
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There was a notable uplift since Liam Rosenior took cost at Chelsea. 4 matches have produced three victories, ten targets and two clear sheets, a return that hints at coherence slightly than transformation. The midweek success towards Pafos stored Champions League qualification firmly in view, although the sharper fringe of this season stays the home race for a prime 4 end.
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Away type, nonetheless, nonetheless nags. Chelsea haven’t gained a league recreation on the street since November, a statistic that lingers regardless of improved performances. Even so, the journey to Selhurst Park seems inviting on paper.
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Palace disruption meets Chelsea momentum
Palace’s marketing campaign has slipped into turbulence. 4 defeats of their final six league outings have drained confidence, and the temper has darkened additional following the departure of captain Marc Guehi to Manchester Metropolis. That exit has compelled a defensive rethink, whereas uncertainty off the pitch has compounded the issue.
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Head coach Oliver Glasner has confirmed he’ll depart on the finish of the season, prompting clear the air talks inside the squad. Issues worsened when Jean-Philippe Mateta knowledgeable the membership of his need to depart through the present window, with curiosity from Aston Villa and Juventus. Stability has been arduous to search out, and the sense is of a facet treading water.
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Staff information shapes Premier League contest
There are, nonetheless, choice boosts for the hosts. Jefferson Lerma is predicted to proceed in a again three, having stuffed in through the transition interval round Guehi’s exit. Extra considerably, Ismaila Sarr returns after serving to Senegal safe a second Africa Cup of Nations title, and is about for an instantaneous recall to the entrance line. Whether or not Mateta options stays unsure given his stance.
Chelsea’s information is extra simple. Robert Sanchez is poised to return after Filip Jorgensen was compelled off towards Pafos. Cole Palmer needs to be again after lacking midweek as a precaution, whereas Reece James was substituted purely for minute administration.
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Long run absentees stay Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill, whereas Tosin Adarabioyo faces a spell out with a hamstring problem.
Prediction and up to date face to face context
When these sides met on the opening weekend, Palace had been buoyant and deserved their level. That looks like one other season. With Eberechi Eze additionally gone, and with uncertainty clouding each division, Palace look weak.
Chelsea, in contrast, seem to know the place they’re heading, even when the vacation spot remains to be distant. Given the present context, something lower than three factors would really feel like a missed alternative.
Chelsea to win, 2-0.
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The latest historical past helps that confidence. Chelsea haven’t misplaced to Palace since October 2017, a run stretching to 17 matches. The final three conferences led to attracts, however the broader document stays closely tilted.
Crystal Palace wins: 12
Chelsea wins: 38
Attracts: 18