Chelsea FC aims to restore their strength in the Premier League by finally earning a win against Crystal Palace, who is not doing well as well. Coming into this game, these two teams are both not having a good run, which they eye to improve here. Chelsea is currently sitting at the 11th of the league table with 22 points across their names. However, a win for Chelsea here could only retain their spots here, but will widen their lead in the contest. On the other hand, the Palace is a team at the 15th of the league table, having 19 points from their 18 games. Palace needs to win in this match so they could avoid drop in the drop zone. The meeting between these two teams is on December 28, 2023, at 3:30 AM (GMT+8).
Chelsea FC
Chelsea’s recent high and low have been met with disappointment as they lost to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day. Poor decision-making in the first half, particularly from Raheem Sterling, kept Wolves in the game at half time. Christopher Nkunku’s first goal in added-on time proved insufficient as Chelsea lost for the eighth time in 18 Premier League fixtures under Mauricio Pochettino. Chelsea needs to start putting a run of wins together to avoid focusing on winning. They need especially in the EFL Cup or FA Cup to secure a route into Europe. Despite only three wins from nine top-flight fixtures at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have won their last two and are unbeaten in their last five in all competitions. They currently sit in 11th place in the league table and need to bounce back this week.
Chelsea manager Pochettino will make three changes to his team due to Lesley Ugochukwu’s injury and Cole Palmer and Sterling’s one-game bans. Possible returnees are Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, with Romeo Lavia not expected to start. Noni Madueke and Mykhaylo Mudryk are expected to feature in the final third.
Crystal Palace
Palace team is under pressure to retain their spot at Selhurst Park, having only won one of their 11 games. However, they have managed to maintain a good record, posting back-to-back draws with Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion. Despite their current position six points above the relegation zone, they have only lost once in their last four matches. Palace, along with three other clubs, have the second worst attacking record in the division, but have scored in eight of their last nine Premier League fixtures. Crystal Palace, currently in 15th place, has struggled this season and will need to improve their performance in this fixture. Crystal Palace can be a formidable opponent, but their recent record at Stamford Bridge is poor.
Palace boss Hodgson may recall Eberechi Eze after 20 minutes against Brighton and more training after a hamstring injury. Chris Richards will continue in defensive-midfield role, and none of injured players are expected to return.
Prediction:
Chelsea FC (1.5)
Odds: -0.81
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