Chelsea v Crystal Palace: Match Preview and Betting Tips
Match Information: Referee: Oliver M. (Eng), Venue: Stamford Bridge (London).
After a midweek victory in the EFL cup against Derby (3-2), Chelsea return to Stamford Bridge looking to continue their unbeaten start to the season (W12, D3 – all competitions). It’s been their best start to a league season since 2014/15, when they went on to win the league.
Chelsea have often led with the sword, not the shield this season, scoring the opening goal in 80% of their league matches. They have led at half-time in 60% of those matches and have yet to be losing at half-time in any game this season. The ‘Blues’ boast the third-best goals tally in the league (24), and the third-best goals conceded total (seven).
Visitors Crystal Palace head to Chelsea looking to end a winless run of five games (D1, L4 – all competitions). Only three sides have scored less league goals than Palace this season, and those teams occupy three of the bottom six. Whilst at the other end, the ‘Eagles’ have conceded 85% of their league goals in the second-half, going onto to lose six of those seven matches.
H2H meetings between the sides at Stamford Bridge have seen a scoreline of 2-1 in four of the previous five meetings. Of those five, Chelsea have managed three wins.
Players to watch: Chelsea’s Ross Barkley continues to star under manager Maurizio Sarri, scoring three goals in his previous three matches. Meanwhile for Palace, Wilfried Zaha’s trickery in the box continues to cause issue for his opponents, he has won two penalties in his last two league games.
Stat attack: Chelsea have scored 2+ goals in their last five competitive matches.
Chelsea have had the second-highest number of shots this season in the league (187).
There have been under 2.5 goals in 70% of Palace’s league matches.
Palace have conceded 38% of their league goals after the 75th minute.
Team News
Chelsea
Will not play
van Ginkel M.(Knee Injury)
Questionable
Ampadu E.(Knee Injury), Giroud O.(Leg Injury)
Crystal Palace
Will not play
Benteke C.(Knee Injury), Ward J.(Muscle Injury), Wickham C.(Thigh Injury)
Questionable
Dann S.(Injury)
Possible Lineups
Chelsea
Kepa – David Luiz, Rudiger, Azpilicueta, Alonso – Jorginho, Kante, Barkley – Willian, Pedro, Morata
Crystal Palace
Hennessey – Sakho, Tomkkins, Wan-Bissaka, Van Aaholt – Kouyate, Milivojevic, Townsend, Meyer – Zaha, Ayew
Chelsea v Crystal Palace Prediction and Betting Tips
Over 2.5 Goals @1.55 (BetFair)
