Crystal Palace vs Chelsea – English Premier League – Preview

Posted on January 3, 2016 by Sreya

Chelsea face Crystal Palace in an English Premier League fixture at the Selhurst Park tomorrow, which will be the first London derby of the new year. The defending champions, currently in the sixteenth position in league standings with twenty points, will hope their luck will change with the turn of the year.

Crystal Palace, continuing their above average performance under Alan Pardew, are on seventh position with thirty-one points courtesy nine wins in the first half of the season.

Team News

Crystal Palace have a long list of absentees with Kwesi Appiah, Bakary Sako, Dwight Gayle, Yannick Bolasie and Connor Wickham sidelined through injuries. Yohan Cabaye will serve a one-match suspension tomorrow as the midfielder picked up his fifth yellow of the season against Swansea City. Damien Delaney has been listed as a doubt due to his ankle injury and will face a late fitness test.

Diego Costa returns from suspension for the visitors but Radamel Falcao has been ruled out with an injury. Loic Remy and Gary Cahill are doubts as well.

Crystal Palace Possible Starting Lineup: Wayne Hennessey, Joel Ward, Brede Hangeland, Scott Dann, Pape Souare, James McArthur, Mile Jedinak, Wilfried Zaha, Jordon Munch, Jason Puncheon, Marouane Chamakh.

Chelsea Possible Starting Lineup: Thiabut Courtois, Branislav Ivanovic, Kurt Zouma, John Terry, Cesar Azpilicueta, Cesc Fabregas, Nemanja Matic, Willian, Oscar, Eden Hazard, Diego Costa.

Thoughts From Both Camps

“With the bodies we have available I’m confident but Chelsea looked more assured against Manchester United so they’re favorites. The foundation of Chelsea’s team is a bit better now, they have two deeper lying midfielders and have great players.”

– Alan Pardew, Crystal Palace.

“There’s a lot of technical skill in the midfield and attacking positions. We have to see how they become even more productive, and take the next step. We are trying to get them good occupation of the box, so they have more efficiency from their high quality. They have the quality. Now they have to be productive with assists or goals.”

– Guus Hiddink, Chelsea FC.

Contributor’s Pick

According to Head-2-Head statistics, the last six encounters between both sides have resulted in four wins and two losses for the defending champions. While Crystal Palace are undefeated in their last six Premier League matches, Chelsea have failed to win their last seven away league games. On current form, the home side is likely to win the match, with 3-2 being the most probable scoreline.