Crystal Palace might get a reality check amidst their winning streak, which has helped them well in escaping the relegation threat in the past few weeks, as they visit Stamford Bridge to play league leaders Chelsea.
Sam Allardyce is fortunate to get all his players back from their international duties back in one piece and ready for the crunch clash. The Eagles recent memory at Stamford Bridge should be a fond one and is likely to remain fresh in the minds as they had emerged victorious last season. The scenario is different now with the Blues on a seriously good run, but Palace have also won three matches on the trot for the first time since September last year and the players should be brimming with confidence.
Crystal Palace are just four points and two positions ahead of the relegation zone and failing to preserve their winning run might make things difficult on that end.
Strongest Possible Crystal Palace Line-up vs Chelsea
Defence
The experienced Steve Mandanda is back from his long-term injury and a fortnight was the perfect rehabilitation period for the Frenchman before he got down to play again. Allardyce is expected to give his best goalie a chance this time.
Jefferey Schlupp should continue to take his place on the left defensive flank as Patrick van Aanholt is still recovering from his ankle injury. The right-back position should be taken by Joel Ward. Though James Tomkins had incurred a slight knock in their last win against Watford, the English defender is expected to return for the game. He will relish once again his partnership with the magnificent Mamadou Sakho.
The Frenchman has become a fan favourite in just three matches for Palace since joining in January. And if Palace are to manage something positive from the game, Sakho has to play a significant role.
Midfield
A single pivot has quite surprisingly worked wonderfully for Allardyce with the Serbian midfielder Luke Milivojevic taking charge of the reins. His calm and composed presence could actually be the big part of the puzzle.
The two attacking midfielders are likely to be Yohan Cabaye and Jason Puncheon. The duo seems to enjoy the advanced role and could be a real threat for Chelsea.
Attack
Wilfred Zaha and Andros Townsend are undoubtedly Palace’s main weapon against Chelsea’s sturdy defence. The attack will be spearheaded by Christian Benteke.
