Premier League Preview: Crystal Palace vs Chelsea

Crystal Palace and Chelsea square off in an enticing London derby at Selhurst Park. Palace are riding high after a comeback win against Southampton, while Chelsea are desperate to reverse their fortunes after consecutive defeats. Here’s what to expect from this thrilling encounter.

Crystal Palace: Home Comforts and Rising Form

Crystal Palace have been in solid form, losing just one of their last eight matches (a 4-0 defeat to Arsenal). Their 2-1 win over Southampton showcased resilience, with Trevoh Chalobah and Eberechi Eze finding the net. Eze, who has struggled to replicate his scintillating form from last season, hopes his match-winning goal against Southampton signals a return to top gear.

Premier League Preview: Tottenham vs Newcastle

Key players are returning for Palace, including captain Marc Guehi, who is set to face his former club after serving a suspension. While the Eagles have lost both of their home London derbies this season (to Fulham and Arsenal), they’ll be determined to make Selhurst Park a fortress once more.

Recent Home Record: Palace aim for consecutive home wins in the Premier League for the first time since last season’s strong finish.

Eze’s Milestone: Should Eberechi Eze score, he’ll become the first Palace player in a century to net home and away against Chelsea in the same season.

Chelsea: A Season on the Brink

The Visitor's early-season promise has crumbled after picking up just one point from their last three matches against Everton, Fulham, and Ipswich. A 1-1 draw in September’s reverse fixture with Palace offers little encouragement for a team struggling to find consistency.

Manager Enzo Maresca is expected to shuffle his squad, with key players like Nicolas Jackson, Pedro Neto, and Robert Sánchez likely to return to the starting XI. Romeo Lavia is also back in contention after recovering from a thigh injury.

Despite their woes, Chelsea have an excellent record against Palace, unbeaten in their last 15 meetings across all competitions, including six straight wins at Selhurst Park.

Away Derby Dominance: The Blues have won both away London derbies this season, triumphing 3-0 at West Ham and 4-3 at Tottenham.

Cole Palmer’s Stellar Year: Palmer has been the standout performer in 2024, contributing to 39 Premier League goals (26 goals, 13 assists), setting a club record for a calendar year.

Head-to-Head: Chelsea’s Edge

The Blues have dominated this fixture historically, winning 14 of their last 15 encounters with Crystal Palace. However, Palace managed to steal a point in their last meeting, a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Selhurst Park Streak: Chelsea have scored 14 goals in their six consecutive victories at Selhurst Park.

Key Stats and Betting Insights

Crystal Palace: Have lost just two of their last 11 Premier League matches.

Chelsea: Haven’t scored in their last two away games but have a perfect record in away derbies this season.

Prediction: With Palace in improving form and Chelsea struggling for consistency, this could be a close contest at Selhurst Park.

Betting Tips

Home Win (Draw No Bet): Odds 2.78 – A solid option given Palace’s recent resilience. 3 units @ Betsson.

While Chelsea’s historical dominance in this fixture cannot be ignored, Crystal Palace’s current form suggests they are capable of breaking the streak againts the London neighbour.

Premier League, this weekend

Saturday:
Tottenham – Newcastle
Aston Villa – Leicester
Bournemouth – Everton
Crystal Palace – Chelsea
Man City – West Ham
Southampton – Brentford
Brighton – Arsenal

Sunday:
Fulham – Ipswich
Liverpool – Man Utd

Monday:
Wolves – Nott'm Forest