In their first game back following the three-month hiatus, Roy Hodgson’s side strode of the pitch in high spirits and talk of Europe was in full force.
Now, however, spirits could not be more different, as Crystal Palace prepare to host a Chelsea side battling for their place in the top four.
Crystal Palace Host Chelsea at Selhurst Park
Error-Prone Palace
Palace began the restart by extending their run of without conceding a goal to four games, the first time they had reached such a feat in their top-flight history.
However, fate was perhaps jinxed, as it has been downhill since then. A 4-0 defeat to Liverpool, then came defeats to Burnley and Leicester City. Palace, in all three games, had noticeable weaknesses and did not look like a side who could find the back of the net.
Most recently, against Leicester, Roy Hodgson’s side could only muster one shot on target. They could barely breach the Foxes’ back-line, spending much of the game holding off the Champions League chasing side.
Against Chelsea, another side looking to qualify for the 2020/21 Champions League, it could be a similar story for the Eagles.
Team News
Palace boss Hodgson hinted at one or two injury doubts ahead of the visit of Chelsea.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the 72-year-old said: “With these very quick turnovers you’ve always got to sort of give players as long as possible.
“We’re still monitoring one or two from the game at the weekend [v Leicester City].”
Frank Lampard will be without three players for their trip across London. Speaking to the official Chelsea website, the Blues boss confirmed that N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Fikayo Tomori are all sidelined through injury.
Key Match-Up: Willian vs Patrick van Aanholt
Despite his future at Stamford Bridge remaining undecided, Willian has been in excellent form for the Blues since the Premier League restart.
The Brazilian has four goals in five games, including a brace in their 3-2 defeat to West Ham United.
The 31-year-old has showed no signs of slowing up, and up against a left-back who can leave spaces open when going forward, the Brazilian could have yet another successful evening.
Crystal Palace v Chelsea Prediction
Chelsea should prove too much to handle for a Palace side lacking in confidence.
Crystal Palace 1-3 Chelsea
Main Photo
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