Chelsea will once again resume their near-perfect Premier League campaign this Saturday as they host a revived Crystal Palace side at Stamford Bridge. The Blues hold a 10-point-lead at the top of the table over immediate followers Tottenham Hotspur and are pretty much surely running away with the title.
New manager Antonio Conte has enjoyed more or less a strong squad at his disposal throughout the season until now as the Italian manager is likely to miss three of his first-team players in Eden Hazard, Victor Moses and Thibaut Courtois.
However, given the flow they are in, it shouldn’t be much of a problem for them and one look at the recent record Chelsea holds over the Eagles declares them as the favourites for the game. In their last five fixtures with Palace, the Blues have won four. However, Palace managed to escape with three points last season at Stamford Bridge.
London derbies have come in easy for Chelsea this campaign as the Blues have won most points from them (15); while Palace have been at the worst end of it. Chelsea scraped through their last away game at Stoke City with a late winner and they cannot risk such an adventurous feat again this time. Chelsea have collected 36 points from 13 home games, which makes them the second most successful home team after Spurs this season.
Strongest Chelsea XI vs Crystal Palace
Defence
Courtois has incurred a mild hip injury while he was on the international duty, which keeps him out for a few days. Conte will have to put his trust on the second choice goalie, Asmir Begovic. The Bosnian international is yet to play in the Premier League this season and will surely have a nervy time under the bar. He has featured in the FA Cup and EFL Cup mostly where he has conceded 7 goals in 6 games.
The back three of David Luiz, Garry Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta would remain the same. The trio hasn’t incurred injuries on international duty and Conte is relieved to have his full-proven back line unscathed.
Marcus Alonso will start as the left wing back while Ola Aina should take Moses’ place. The Nigerian, Victor Moses, is sidelined with a calf injury at the moment.
Midfield
The central midfield duo should continue to be Nemanja Matic and N’Golo Kante. The Frenchman had a rarely harrowing time against Spain as Andres Iniesta proved too much for him. He would use this game to regain his confidence.
Attack
Willian will start on the left attacking position replacing Eden Hazard, who has already missed Chelsea’s last game against Stoke City, with a calf injury. He will be partnered by Pedro. The attack will be spearheaded by Diego Costa.
