Chelsea are on the back of a stunning 10-game winning run in the Premier League and will be high on confidence when they travel to south London to take on Crystal Palace who have lost seven of their last nine Premier League encounters.
The Blues are six points clear at the top of the table, ahead of Liverpool and Arsenal, and will be keen to keep their lead as long as possible. Even though Palace are no match for Chelsea in terms of either quality or form, Alan Pardew has shown it time and time again that he knows how to upset the big sides.
Here are three key battles which could decide the game.
Christian Benteke vs David Luiz
Benteke has been quite a hit at Selhurst Park since his mega-money move from Liverpool having hit eight Premier League goals this season. He has won as many as 9 aerial duels every game this season and will definitely test Chelsea’s stubborn defence. Luiz is one of the best defenders in the Premier League right now in terms of form and is the organiser of Chelsea defence. He is excellent in the air and must stop Benteke from exploiting the Chelsea defence. The Brazilian is a fine passer and is a front-footed defender and often bursts forward but he must show his defensive discipline to keep Benteke away from scoring.
James McArthur vs Cesc Fabregas
Scottish midfield enforcer James McArthur is in the form of his life at the moment. His job is to protect the back four but he has done really well in front of the goal this season. He has scored five goals this season and has set up 2. Cesc Fabregas has been impressive after getting his chance due to an injury to Nemanja Matic and has been effective attacking wise. He scored the winner against Sunderland in the midweek. McArthur needs to be solid defensively to stop Fabregas from breaking down Crystal Palace’s defence with his passing.
Diego Costa vs Scott Dann
Costa is in the form of his life at the moment. He has been instrumental in Chelsea’s amazing winning run. The Spanish international has scored 12 goals and set up 5 in 16 games this season. His pace, physique and determination have won Chelsea so many games and once again, he will be the trusted general of Conte in attack. Crystal Palace have struggled defensively this season but their skipper Dann is a very capable defender and will definitely make life hard for Costa.