The Blues return to Stamford Bridge this Saturday to face Crystal Palace, the team they beat 1-0 last season to secure the title. A feeling of serenity has returned to The Bridge following last weekend’s win and some big name signings, after a few weeks of controversy surrounding the club.
Eden Hazard was the difference between the sides last May, scoring the only goal of the game from close range after his penalty was saved on the stroke of half-time. Chelsea were crowned champions at the final whistle that day, but this weekend’s aim is to get the title challenge back on track after a rocky start.
Team News:
Mourinho will likely hand new boy Pedro a home debut on Saturday, and left-back Baba Rahman may also be in line for his first start if the manager decides to shake up his back line. John Terry is suspended following his red card against West Brom last weekend, meaning Kurt Zouma should start for a second time this season.
Chelsea have been quiet over midfielder Oscar’s injury, and it is still unclear whether or not he will return for Sunday’s fixture. Aside from him, Mourinho has a full squad to choose from.
Like Chelsea, Palace have had a busy summer. Pardew has brought in seven new faces, including marquee signing Yohan Cabaye who’s joined from French giants PSG. Wilfred Zaha is expected to start alongside him in the midfield, and will be aiming to provide support for Glenn Murray or Dwight Gayle, depending on who starts up front.
Yannick Bolasie is set for a return to action, after missing last weekend’s match against Aston Villa on compassionate grounds following the death of his father. However Connor Wickham, Julian Speroni and Mile Jedinak are all injury doubts, whilst Chelsea loanee Patrick Bamford is not allowed to face his parent club, ruling him out of the match.
Stats:
Chelsea have won four of the five Premier League meetings between the two clubs at Stamford Bridge, and the only time they’ve failed to beat Palace at home was in 1995, when the two teams drew 0-0.
Alan Pardew is one of just four Premier League managers who has more than one win over Jose Mourinho, beating him twice while in charge at Newcastle United.
Writer’s Prediction:
Chelsea 3-1 Crystal Palace.
