Chelsea return to Premier League action this Saturday, as they take on an in-form Crystal Palace side at Stamford Bridge.
Having only previously won once in the Premier League since the turn of the year, Sam Allardyce’s side have now seemingly turned their fortunes around – winning their last three games on the bounce and conceding no goals in that time. This upturn in form has seen the Eagles move four points clear of the relegation zone with a game in hand.
The January loan signing of Mamadou Sakho from Liverpool has coincided with the team’s excellent run, as he has yet to concede a goal in his three starts for the club thus far.
Christian Benteke is yet to truly impress at Selhurst Park the season because despite scoring 14 goals this season the Belgian’s form has been erratic and he has only managed to score once in his past 13 games.
Chelsea will be left sweating over the fitness of several key players coming into the game, with Eden Hazard (heel injury), Thibaut Courtois (hip injury) and Diego Costa (ankle injury) are all doubts for the game – although Courtois and Hazard have reportedly returned to training, and may well play a part in proceedings.
While John Terry (knock) and Victor Moses (calf strain) also remain injury doubts.
Crystal Palace, on the other hand, will be without Connor Wickham (knee injury), Steve Mandanda (knee injury) and Loic Remy (can’t face his parent club). While Mathieu Flamini (muscular injury) and former Chelsea player Patrick van Aanholt (ankle ligament injury) are set to be assessed ahead of the game.
Chelsea won the reverse fixture this season 1-0 at Selhurst Park, courtesy of a late first-half header from Costa, and will go into the game looking to increase their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
