Match Preview: Chelsea host Crystal Palace in desperate search for three points. W/Bobby Manzi

Stamford Bridge sets the stage for a crucial encounter as Chelsea hosts Crystal Palace, with both teams eager to make their mark in the Premier League.

Chelsea enter this fixture on the back of a disappointing away defeat to Wolves on Christmas Eve, marking their fourth consecutive away loss and their eighth defeat in 18 league games this season.

The Blues find themselves 14 points adrift of the top four and in an unexpected proximity to the relegation zone.

However, history favors Chelsea in H2H matchups against Crystal Palace, having won their last 12 encounters.

Recent struggles for Chelsea:

Chelsea’s recent form has raised eyebrows, particularly their away struggles. The 2-1 loss to Wolves added to a string of disappointing results, placing them further away from their top-four aspirations.

With defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of clinical finishing, Chelsea faces a challenging period as they aim to reverse their fortunes.

Crystal Palace’s goal drought:

Crystal Palace, sitting 15th in the league, is grappling with a seven-game winless streak. Their major concern lies in their goal-scoring department, having managed just 18 goals this season.

The Eagles will be keen to address this issue as they face a formidable Chelsea defense, aiming to break their winless streak and climb the league table.

Bobby Manzi, a journalist and Crystal Palace fan, joined us to provide an insight from a Palace perspective :

Palace’s season has been dull! The campaign has lacked jeopardy, and with some pretty depressing football being played, things for Palace fans are rough at the moment, with many fans feeling a huge disconnect.

However, Palace are coming into this game off the back of two draws against Manchester City and Brighton and an extremely positive performance against Liverpool (so things aren’t entirely bad). But Roy Hodgson’s side are in desperate need for three points, as his red and blue army haven’t won since the beginning of November and now sit just three points above the drop zone.

Coming into the game at Stamford Bridge tomorrow, I think Palace will put in a strong display as Chelsea have a depleted squad, with the likes of Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling missing.

If I look at it objectively, I feel there are points to be won for Palace. The Eagles are without Sam Johnstone, Rob Holding, Cheick Doucoure, Jesuran Rak-Sakyi, and Oddsone Edouard, amongst others. Palace have struggled without Edouard and Doucouré, as they are extremely key to how Palace play.

Doucouré is the largest miss for the Eagles, as before he did his Achilles, he had been Palace’s player of the season (so far). But Palace are coming off the back of a massive injury crisis, with the likes of Michael Olise returning to full fitness and Eberechi Eze nearing his first start since November.

If Palace can field both Eze and Olise, you’d feel they would be a massive threat to the Chelsea backline, consisting of four center halves.

The threat of Conor Gallagher is the one that Palace fans fear the most. In both games last season, the former Palace man controlled midfield and wound both the Palace players and fans up, seemingly being in everyone’s heads. Of course, he delivered a bitter blow at Selhurst Park, scoring the winner.

Palace’s midfield will have to do a lot of dirty work to contain his threat. Gallagher, as everyone knows, is a runner and a hard worker. I’m expecting him to step up to fill the void left by Cole Palmer tomorrow; therefore, Palace will have to outrun and outwork him to contain his threat. Chelsea should certainly be wary of the threat of Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze, as already mentioned.

On their day, they can be two of the biggest threats in the league, and recent performances from Michael Olise (the man Chelsea tried to sign in the summer) show that he is well on the way to becoming unplayable.

But the unlikely two that I’m going to draw attention to, because I think Eze and Olise speak for themselves, are Jean-Phillipe Mateta and Nathaniel Clyne. Both are putting in some of the best performances we’ve seen from them in a Palace shirt in the last three games.

Mateta has scored two in three, and in the game he didn’t score. He constantly looked like a threat, worked his socks off, and was always looking to be progressive.

Clyne has been a breath of fresh air to Palace fans who have been witnessing Joel Ward at right-back all season; he’s been defensively solid and much more attacking than Ward has been, with his quality on the ball being far superior to his compatriot.

Palace certainly have a chance going into the game, and I think it will be incredibly close with both teams scoring.

Historical dominance for Chelsea:

Chelsea holds a remarkable record against Crystal Palace, having won their last 12 H2H matches. This historical dominance adds a layer of confidence for the Blues as they look to bounce back from recent setbacks.

Players to Watch:

Chelsea:

Christopher Nkunku: The attacker made a significant impact on his Premier League debut against Wolves, scoring from the bench. His creativity and goal-scoring ability make him a player to watch.

Crystal Palace:

As Bobby said, I will also go with… Michael Olise: The talented midfielder, who allegedly turned down a move to Chelsea in the summer, has been involved in goals in back-to-back games for Crystal Palace. His creativity and vision will be crucial for the Eagles.

Crucial Moment in the Season:

For Chelsea, this match becomes a pivotal moment in a season that started with high expectations. With every loss, the gap to the top four widens, making victories at Stamford Bridge essential to stay in the race for a Champions League spot.

Potential Lineups:

Chelsea: 4-2-3-1 – Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Silva, Colwill; Caicedo, Gallagher; Sterling, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson.

Crystal Palace: 4-3-3 – Henderson; Clyne, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Lerma, Richards, Hughes; Olise, Mateta, Ayew.

Conclusion:

As Chelsea looks to rebound from their away struggles, Crystal Palace seeks to end their goal drought and secure crucial points.

Stamford Bridge has witnessed many Chelsea triumphs against the Eagles, but recent form adds uncertainty to this encounter.

Can Chelsea continue their dominance over Crystal Palace, or will the Eagles pull off an upset? The answers will unfold in a match that holds significance for both teams in the ever-competitive Premier League.