Chelsea will like to maintain their unbeaten run against Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday at Stamford Bridge. Crystal Palace’s previous record against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge is two wins and one defeat in last three meetings. Maurizio Sarri’s men will like to change the record in their favour on Sunday. Crystal Palace have been in good form in this season as they have snatched one point from the Gunners in the previous match.
Team News :
Chelsea :
The Blues will welcome Ross Barkley in the starting lineup after being rested for the Carabao Cup match. Mateo Kovacic was given the chance in the first team against Derby County in the Carabao Cup match on Wednesday. Cesc Fabregas and N’Golo Kante partnered him in the midfield in that match. Ruben Loftus Cheek and Willian played in the wings in that match for the Blues. Alvaro Morata was there at the upfront. Gary Cahill and Christensen were paired in the central defense while Davide Zappacosta and Emerson Palmieri played at both the flanks in the defense for the Blues. Willy Caballero was there as the Goalkeeper of Chelsea against Derby County.
However, the second string Chelsea side were not able to play the natural ‘Sarriball’ against Frank Lampard’s Derby County. The Blues were extremely lucky to get past Derby County in that match. In the match against Crystal Palace, Maurizio Sarri will again play all of his first team players while Eden Hazard is still doubtful for this match. Maurizio Sarri has confirmed that Eden Hazard is still not ready to play all the 90 minutes in the match. He might be able to play 40-45 minutes in this match. The Belgian winger was injured in the match against Manchester United after the harsh tackle of the United players especially Ashley Young.
Will Eden Hazard Play Against Crystal Palace?
Eden Hazard completed the match but from the next day onwards he felt a back pain and that’s why he was not in the match day squad of the Blues in three consecutive matches in all competitions. However, Maurizio Sarri’s men were able to pull off a victory against Bate Borisov, Burnley and Derby County without the presence of Eden Hazard in their squad. Now it is expected that Eden Hazard will be in the squad of the Blues against Crystal Palace. He might not start the match for the Blues on Sunday at Stamford Bridge. Maurizio Sarri has hinted that he would like to use him as a substitute in the second half of the match.
Crystal Palace :
Wilfried Zaha is doubtful to play against Chelsea on Sunday. A late fitness test is on the cards to assess the physical condition of Zaha just before the match. On the other hand, Wickham is unavailable due to injury problems.
Predicted Starting Eleven :
Chelsea : (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper : Kepa
Defenders : Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Luiz, Alonso.
Midfielders : Kante, Jorginho, Barkley.
Attackers : Willian, Morata, Hazard.
Crystal Palace :(4-4-2)
Goalkeeper : Hennessey.
Defenders : Wan-Bissaka, Tomkins, Sakho, Van Aanholt.
Midfielders : Townsend, Kouyate, Milivojevic, McArthur.
Attackers : Ayew, Zaha.
My Predicted Scoreline :
Chelsea 3-0 Crystal Palace
