Team News
Chelsea- Antonio Conte will have to reshuffle his squad significantly as the Blues are likely to be without three of their main players for the London derby. Both the Belgians, Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois are huge doubts for the game.
Hazard didn’t feature in Belgium’s World Cup qualifiers and the friendly following a calf injury and if Belgium national coach, Roberto Martinez, is to be believed, then the winger is out for 10-15 days. Willian is the ideal option to replace the fan favourite on the left attacking midfield.
Goalkeeper Courtois has also incurred a hip injury just before Belgium’s clash with Russia in the midweek and Conte is unlikely to rush him. Begovic should take his place of the bar although he is yet to start in the league game even once this season. Right wing back Victor Moses is also a doubt with a calf injury.
Crystal Palace- Sam Allardyce has a lot more to worry about compared to Conte. The former England manager will be going into the match without two major doubts and three long-term injuries. Central midfielder Mathieu Flamini is recovering from his thigh injury and is doubtful for the game. So is Patrick van Aanholt, who suffered an ankle injury a few weeks back.
Among the long-term injuries is striker Conor Wickham, left-back Papa N’Diaye Souare and forward Loic Remy. However, to Palace’s good fortune, Allardyce’s recent success formula doesn’t include any of the above and the Eagles will be at full strength to face the league leaders.
Predicted Line-ups
Chelsea- Courtois; Azpilicueta, Luiz, Cahill; Aina, Kante, Fabregas, Alonso; Willian, Costa, Pedro
Crystal Palace- Hennessey, Ward, Tomkins, Sakho, Schlupp, Cabaye, Milivojevic, Zaha, Puncheon, Townsend, Benteke
Key Players
Chelsea- Palace have been brilliant in defending of late with Mamadou Sakho’s emergence as a tank at the back. And Conte will need the extraordinary clinical play of forward Diego Costa to squeeze the ball in the minimum of opportunities. Another important player could be the selection of Cesc Fabregas. The Spaniard is capable of unlocking Palace’s compact defence with his pinpoint passing.
Crystal Palace- The two incisive wingers, Wilfred Zaha and Andros Townsend, would have to play a quintessential part for Palace to churn out a positive result from the game. The duo has seven goals and 11 assists among them. Christian Benteke could be another threat for Chelsea. His aerial dominance might prove to be the decision maker in the game.
Betting Odds
Chelsea @ 1.30
Draw @ 5.75
Crystal Palace @ 12.00
