Chelsea hosts their London rivals Crystal Palace in Saturday’s evening clash in Premier League 2020-21.
Match Timings: Oct 03, 5 PM
Team Preview
Chelsea back to their Premier League campaign after disappointing last week. They welcome Crystal Palace to Stamford Bridge in Saturday's encounter to add three points in a home game. Lampard’s side knocked out of the EFL Cup last week to Tottenham in a penalty shoot-out. Before this tie, Chelsea managed to save the game after going three goals behind to West Bromwich Albion last weekend. The impressive fightback in the second half secured Chelsea to walk away with one point. The Blues are looking for the first victory of the season after losing to Liverpool in the first home game.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace started off on high note with defeating Southampton and United in back to back games. The Eagles beat Manchester United at Old Trafford to replicate the 2019-20’s performance to add three successive victories over them. In the previous outing, they lost to Everton 2-1. The 40th minute leading goal from Richarlison hurt Palace to find an equaliser in the second half and Everton secured three points. Roy Hodgson is optimistic to take the advantage in this away fixture as Chelsea is losing the charm in their defence. Chelsea have won five previous matches between the two sides but the Eagles can mark some positive attempt at Stamford on Saturday.
Team News & Possible Lineups
Chelsea
Mendy is making his debut in Premier League on Saturday. Werner’s fitness is the worrying sign but he would recover before the game. Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech are ready to feature in the lineup. Alonso, Antonio Rudiger and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are sidelined as they have all been linked with moves away in the next few days.
All competition form: W L W D L
Lineup: Mendy; James, Christensen, Thiago Silva, Chilwell; Kante, Kovacic; Mount, Havertz, Werner; Abraham
Crystal Palace
Palace will be without the services of Gary Cahill, James Tomkins, Patrick van Aanholt and Nathan Ferguson. Michy Batshuayi is also sidelined for this game. Jeffrey Schlupp has been recovered from the muscle strain and he is expected to see his name in the lineup.
Lineup: Guaita; Ward, Kouyate, Sakho, Mitchell; Townsend, McCarthy, McArthur, Schlupp; Ayew, Zaha
All competition form: W L W L
Key Players
Chelsea
Tammy Abraham
1 goal & 2 assists in EFL Cup 2020
1 goal in Premier League 2020
Kai Havertz
3 goals in EFL Cup 2020
1 assist in Premier League 2020-21
Crystal Palace
Wilfried Zaha
3 goals in Premier League 2020-21
Andros Townsend
1 goal and 2 assists in Premier League 2020-21
