After two weeks off with internationals we’re back in the Premier League with a trip to Selhurst Park and Crystal Palace.
Last season’s encounter in South London ended with defeat for Jose Mourinho’s side, but much has changed for both sides since the 1-0 scoreline in March.
Chelsea team news
Multiple players are injury doubts ahead of the trip across London, with Didier Drogba, Ramires, Andre Schurrle, Diego Costa and John Mikel Obi all expected to sit out.
It will be a huge blow for Mourinho if Costa is out, though the striker has been struggling with his thigh for weeks now.
During the international break Costa scored his first ever Spain goal and including his nine strikes in the league, he is sure to be missed if left out.
We are yet to be beaten in the league this term and a repeat of last season’s reverse is not a scenario Mourinho would want to face.
Replacing Costa if he is left out will be Loic Remy, our only fit striker to day. The Frenchman scored for France during the international break and should be keen to prove his worth at the club since the transfer in early September.
Crystal Palace team news
Tony Pulis has left the club since the previous meeting between the two clubs, and the Welshman’s tactics is sorely missed at Selhurst Park.
Neil Warnock came in to replace Pulis, and Palace failed to show much of the same quality as they did under Pulis last season.
Eight points in seven matches and 15th place is the reward so far but their home form shows four points in three matches including a 2-0 win against Leicester last time out at home.
Palace do not have many injuries to report, with Scott Dann as the only sidelined player.
Chelsea need to watch out for Mile Jedinak and Jason Puncheon, who are Palace’s best players. Fraizer Campbell has shown great goalscoring form this season and could pose a little bit of a threat for our defence.
The prediction
Palace away is a match we should win if we are to win the title this season. Costa out might have a little bit of a saying but Remy should be a decent replacement. We have improved since the reverse last term and Palace have lost a big influence in Pulis.
This should be a straightforward win for us. Our prediction is a 3-1 win and another three points added to our tally. What do you think?
Chelsea Talk