Chelsea will welcome Crystal Palace to Stamford Bridge for their third match of the 2024/25 Premier League season.
Both teams are looking to make a statement, with Chelsea aiming to build on their strong league performance last weekend and Crystal Palace seeking their first points of the season after a disappointing start.
Chelsea’s Recent Form :
Chelsea bounced back from their opening day disappointment with a resounding 6-2 victory away at Wolves, marking the first time they’ve scored six away goals in a single game since April 2022 against Southampton.
However, their momentum was slightly dampened by a 2-1 defeat to Servette in the Europa Conference League playoffs, though they still managed to qualify for the group stages.
Chelsea have bolstered their squad with the deadline-day loan signing of Jadon Sancho from Manchester United, though the winger will not make his debut against Palace.
The Blues will be looking to secure their 14th consecutive victory over Crystal Palace, which would see them tie the record for the longest winning run against a single opponent in English football league history.
Crystal Palace’s Struggles :
Crystal Palace have had a tough start to the season, losing both of their opening games against fellow London clubs Brentford and West Ham.
This marks the first time since the 2017/18 season that Palace have lost their first two league fixtures.
That season, they also lost their first three games, a fate they’ll be desperate to avoid repeating this time around.
Despite their poor league form, Palace did secure a morale-boosting 4-0 win over Norwich City in the Carabao Cup midweek.
However, the victory came at a cost, with new signing Chadi Riad picking up a knee injury.
Head coach Oliver Glasner is also dealing with the departures of key players Michael Olise and Joachim Andersen, though the squad has been strengthened with the additions of Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal and Maxence Lacroix from Wolfsburg.
Key Players ;
Chelsea: Noni Madueke is the player to watch for Chelsea.
The young winger scored a second-half hat-trick in the Blues’ thrashing of Wolves and will be eager to continue his rich vein of form against Palace.
Crystal Palace: Eberechi Eze will be a key figure for Crystal Palace.
The English midfielder has the pace and skill to trouble Chelsea’s defense, and Palace will need him to be at his best if they are to cause an upset at Stamford Bridge.
Tactical Overview :
With a dynamic front line bolstered by the recent addition of Sancho, Chelsea will be looking to dominate possession and break down Palace’s defence.
Crystal Palace, on the other hand, may look to play on the counter-attack, using the pace of Sarr and Eze to exploit any gaps left by Chelsea’s forward-minded approach.
Potential Lineups :
Chelsea: 4-2-3-1 – Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Enzo, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson.
Crystal Palace: 3-4-2-1 – Henderson; Clyne, Guehi, Richards; Munoz, Hughes, Doucoure, Mitchell; Sarr, Eze; Mateta.
Score Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Crystal Palace
Where to watch:
United States: NBCSN
Canada: Fubo Sports Network
India: Star Sports Select HD
Australia: Optus Sport
Nigeria: SuperSports.
Conclusion :
Chelsea will be confident heading into this fixture, especially given their dominant record against Crystal Palace.
However, they’ll need to remain focused and avoid complacency, as Palace will be fighting hard to avoid a third consecutive league defeat.
With both teams having plenty to prove, this London derby promises to be an intriguing contest.
