Chelsea vs Crystal Palace Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man & Prediction

Chelsea entertain Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon looking to get their title challenge back on track.

The Blues lost further ground on league leaders Arsenal last week following a 3-2 defeat to Stoke City which ended a run of three consecutive victories and left the west Londoners trailing the Gunners by five points.

Jose Mourinho’s men did get back to winning ways with a 1-0 win over Steaua Bucharest in the Champions League on Wednesday night, but they will be hoping to take advantage of four of their Premier League title rivals (Man City v Arsenal and Tottenham v Liverpool) playing each-other by securing all three points against Palace tomorrow.

The Eagles arrive at the Bridge following back-to-back victories under new boss Tony Pulis which has seen them drag themselves off the foot of the table and they are now only in the bottom three on goal difference.

Team News

Jose Mourinho has reported no fresh injury worries following their midweek win over Steaua. The Portuguese coach rested some weary legs that night so is expected to recall the likes of Petr Cech, Cesar Azpilicueta and Ramires to the starting line-up.

David Luiz will continue alongside John Terry at the back with Gary Cahill not being risked due to a niggling thigh injury, while Ashley Cole will drop out after playing his first game in seven weeks on Wednesday.

Fernando Torres is expected to be recalled up front in place of Demba Ba despite the Senegalese hitman playing a part in the Blues winner in midweek. Ryan Bertrand is still a week away from returning and Marco van Ginkel remains the clubs only serious injury victim.

Palace are sweating on the fitness of full-back Dean Moxey but he’s expected to overcome a hamstring injury that forced him off against Cardiff last week.

Pulis is already without the services of Glenn Murray, Jerome Thomas, Jack Hunt, Paddy McCarthy and Adlene Guedioura through injury, but winger Yannick Bolasie is available again after serving a suspension.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Oscar: The Brazilian will once again be pulling the strings in the middle of the park for Chelsea and Palace will have to cut his creative threat if they want to have any chance of coming away with anything from the game.

Predicted Score

Chelsea 3-0 Crystal Palace: Despite the visitors recent revival, we can’t see past a comfortable home victory here.

What would be your starting eleven and what’s your predicted score? Share your views below.