Chelsea vs Crystal Palace: Lineups, Player Battles and Analysis


Chelsea vs Crystal Palace: Lineups, Player Battles and Analysis

Chelsea face Crystal Palace today at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League. Crystal Palace have punched above their weight in the beginning of this PL season. After wins against Manchester United and Southampton, they have 6 points out of a possible 9. Manager Roy Hodgson will be confident his side can get a result today.

Chelsea meanwhile have won, drawn and lost one match apiece. Some of their new signings have been injured and they haven’t got to play with their strongest line-up. Chelsea had to score 3 late goals to draw against newly promoted West Brom last week. This would be the perfect platform for them to bounce back.

Player Battles

Kai Havertz v James McArthur

Kai Havertz will look to dictate the tempo of the game if he is played in the central attacking midfield role. McArthur will be tasked with protecting the defence line by not allowing Havertz and co. to orchestrate the game.

FS Video
Havertz vs McArthur

Wilfried Zaha v Thiago Silva

Veteran Thiago Silva will be tasked with keeping out the dangerous Wilfried Zaha. Both players will have their tasks cut out as either players are among the best in the business.

Zaha vs Silva

Lineups

Chelsea

Mendy; Azpilicueta(C), Thiago Silva, Zouma, Chilwell; Kanté, Jorginho; Hudson-Odoi, Havertz, Werner; Abraham.

Crystal Palace

 Guaita; Ward, Kouyaté, Sakho, Mitchell; Townsend, McCarthy, McArthur, Eze; Ayew, Zaha(C).

When and where to watch

The match kicks off at 5 pm IST. The match can be watched on Star Sports Select HD 2 and on Disney+ Hotstar.

Prediction

This could be a close game given the current form of both sides. But Chelsea should be able to pull through given the home advantage and the sheer amount of talent in their line-up and win the game 2-1.

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