On Saturday, at 12:30 pm, Chelsea and Crystal Palace duel in the 12th round of the Premier League, in a game in which Frank Lampard’s team has the first chance at victory. In good shape, the Londoners are part of a new local derby, and Palace is continuing its hellish schedule lately.
Roy Hodgson’s “Eagles” started the season well, including with a surprise on Manchester United’s ground, but the red-blue aplomb faded last month: 0-2 with Manchester City, 2-2 with Arsenal and 0-2 with Leicester are the last results of Palace, in the championship. It was expected that this negative series would start, but the confidence of the guests in their own strength did not diminish at all.
In fact, Crystal Palace has already accustomed the world with big surprises in front of the borders, and Chelsea will have to defend very carefully to avoid the void received in front of the guests. With strong midfield players, the visitors could make Frank Lampard’s life difficult. Last time, Chelsea prevailed in a London derby, score 2-1 with the “lantern” Watford away. Prior to this match, the blue-and-white had won with Burnley (4-2) and Newcastle (1-0), thus managing to reach the UEFA Champions League area. It is a very encouraging journey for the hosts.
Crystal Palace continues to be in the Top 8 and play without pressure on Stamford Bridge, where the white draw comes to defend. We will witness a constant pressure from Chelsea, which has won the last three straight duels with “eagles”, with 1-0 (away), respectively 3-1 and 2-1 on their own ground. All matches were played in 2018. If Pulisic, Abraham, Willian and Mount will be on the field, the attacks of the hosts should produce many corners, as the guests will reject many balls.
PROBABLE TEAMS IN CHELSEA – CRYSTAL PALACE
Chelsea: Kepa – Azpilicueta, Zouma, Tomori, Emerson – Kante, Kovacic – Willian, Mount, Pulisic – Abraham
Crystal Palace: Guaita – Ward, Tomkins, Cahill, Van Aanholt – Kouyate, Milivojevic, McArthur – Zaha, J. Ayew, Schlupp
PREDICTION: Over 2,5 goals @ 1,54
