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

Chelsea get back to Premier League action after the international break when they take on Crystal Palace at Selhurt Park on Saturday afternoon.

The Blues have enjoyed a sensational start to the season and extended their lead at the top of the table to five points with a 2-0 win over Arsenal two weeks ago.

That win ensured Jose Mourinho’s men maintained their unbeaten start to the new campaign and it’s easy to see why the West Londoners are everyone’s favourites for the title.

Chelsea will be out for revenge tomorrow after suffering a 1-0 defeat at Selhurst Park last season, when a John Terry own goal put a huge dent in their title challenge.

Neil Warnock’s side have been rather inconsistent this year and suffered a 2-0 defeat to Hull last time time out having won back-to-back games against Everton and Leicester.

Team news

Chelsea are sweating on the fitness of Diego Costa after he played in both of Spain’s Euro 2016 qualifiers over the past two weeks, but he’s expected to be passed fit to start.

Mourinho has confirmed he’ll make a late check on Andre Schurrle after he missed Germany’s draw with Ireland due to flu, while John Obi Mikel will also be assessed after arriving back late from international duty.

Didier Drogba is another who faces a late fitness test on a troublesome ankle injury while Ramires could return from a month out with a groin problem.

Crystal Palace will be without defender Scott Dann after he picked up a knee injury.

Otherwise, Warnock has a fully-fit squad to choose from.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Cesc Fabregas: The Spaniard has been inspirational since joining from Barcelona in the summer as he’s struck up a deadly partnership with Diego Costa. Mourinho will be looking for the duo to link-up once again this weekend.

Predicted Score

Crystal Palace 1-2 Chelsea: Selhurt Park is never an easy place to visit but Chelsea look so strong this season and I think they will come away with another three points to maintain their advantage at the top of the table.

What team would you like to see start and what’s your predicted score?