Match Overview
Chelsea will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing defeat at home to Wolves when they host Crystal Palace, who are without a number of key players, on Wednesday evening at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are the favorites to win, given their impressive home form and the Eagles’ recent struggles. However, Palace has found ways to score in recent matches against top teams and their ability to challenge Chelsea’s vulnerable backline could make for an exciting match.
Team News and Injuries
Crystal Palace will be without Michael Olise and Marc Guehi, who were both forced off in their defeat to Brighton. Chelsea will be hoping to welcome back Christopher Nkunku, who has been sidelined with injury since the start of the season.
Head-to-Head Statistics
Chelsea has dominated the head-to-head record, winning each of the last eleven meetings against Crystal Palace. Chelsea also enjoys a strong home record against Palace, with 15 wins, 5 draws, and only 2 losses in the past 22 clashes at Stamford Bridge. However, Palace has found the back of the net in six of their last seven matches, suggesting they could pose a scoring threat against Chelsea’s often leaky backline.
Crystal Palace Form Analysis
Crystal Palace enters this match winless in their last seven league outings, having conceded a late equalizer in their recent draw against Brighton. Despite missing key players like Eberechi Eze, they’ve managed to find the back of the net in recent matches against Liverpool, Manchester City, and Brighton, showcasing their attacking potential. Their recent performances, though, highlight their vulnerability defensively, which Chelsea will look to exploit;
Chelsea Form Analysis
Chelsea heads into this match hoping to rebound from their Christmas Day defeat against Wolves. Despite the loss, they’ve extended their unbeaten run at home to five games in all competitions, winning three of those. Mauricio Pochettino’s side will be looking to continue their strong home form, especially with the recent return of Christopher Nkunku, who could boost their attacking prowess.
Key Players to Watch
Cole Palmer is Chelsea’s top scorer in the league this season with 10 goals and will be a player to watch for Palace’s defense. On the other side, Wilfried Zaha, despite Palace’s recent struggles, remains a threat for Chelsea, especially against a backline prone to mistakes. Christopher Nkunku’s return from injury for Chelsea could also be crucial, potentially adding a new dimension to their attack.
Betting Tips
Given Chelsea’s dominance in the history of this matchup and their impressive home form, they are favored to win. The ‘Over 2.5 goals at full-time’ pick is considered a good option due to both teams’ recent scoring trends. For a more daring bet, the ‘Chelsea to win and Both Teams To Score’ pick offers attractive odds, considering Chelsea’s winning streak against Palace.
Prediction
Despite Palace’s ability to find the back of the net against top teams, Chelsea’s home form and historical dominance in this fixture make them the likely winners. However, given Chelsea’s defensive vulnerabilities and Palace’s recent scoring prowess, a close match with goals from both teams is expected.
Where to Watch
The match will be broadcast live on various platforms depending on your location. Check your local listings or streaming services for details on how to watch Chelsea vs Crystal Palace.
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