Chelsea - Crystal Palace predictions and free betting tips [27/12/2023]

Today in the 19th round of the Premier League, Chelsea will host Crystal Palace at home. "The Eagles" rank 15th in overall scoring and are just four points behind their upcoming opponent - so the derby promises to be hot. 

Predicted Line-ups

Chelsea: Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Silva, Colwill; Kaisedo, Gallagher; Madueke, Jackson, Mudrik; Broja. 

Crystal Palace: Henderson; Klein, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Lerma, Richards, Eze; Olise, Mateta, Ayew. 

Stadium

The duel will take place in London at the Stamford Bridge Stadium. 

Chelsea

Despite Mauricio Pochettino's appointment as coach and the heavy-spending summer transfer campaign, Chelsea are in deep crisis this season. At present, the blues are merely 11th in the Premier League table, scoring only 22 points in 18 tours. Their chances of making it into the European cups already look slim: they are 12 points behind the 5th line. In December, the capital's grand team suffered two defeats from Manchester United (2:1) and Everton (2:0), subsequently managing to defeat Sheffield United (2:0). Later, Chelsea secured a place in the League Cup semi-finals, defeating Newcastle (1:1, win on penalties). After these two positive results, the Blues suffered another defeat last weekend, losing 2:1 in the Championship to Wolverhampton. The only positive note was Christopher Nkunku's debut goal in added time, which, however, did not score extra points for the team. 

On the bright side, Pochettino's charges have gone undefeated in their last five matches in all competitions at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea's infirmary continues to be overflowing, with injuries ruling out Fofana, keeper Sanchez, defenders James, Cucurella and Chilwell, central midfielder Enzo Fernandez, prospects Chukwuemeka and Ugbo, and also Chalobah. Belgian midfielder Lavia, who transferred from Southampton in the summer, has recovered from injury and could make his club debut. Frenchman Nkunku, who has missed several months due to injury, is back in the squad and has every chance of making the starting line-up. He faces competition up front from Palmer (6 goals and 3 assists), Sterling (5 goals and 2 assists) and Jackson (7 goals), but the first two - Palmer and Sterling - are serving suspensions today; Noni Madueke and Mihail Mudrik should again get starts on the flanks. 

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace sits 15th in the Premier League and is just 3 points clear of the relegation zone. The Londoners have a slight gap over 18th placed Luton, but the team's current form is concerning to their fans. Roy Hodgson's charges have failed to win any of their last eight matches (3 draws and 5 losses). After losing to Liverpool (1:2) due to a controversial removal of Ayew, the Eagles managed to draw with Manchester City (2:2) and Brighton (1:1). Against the Seagulls, it was Ghanaian forward who opened the scoring at the end of the first half, but the blues managed to equalise through Welbeck. Jointly with three other teams, "Palace" display the second worst rate of goals scored in the whole championship (just 18 goals), but at the same time, have managed to net in eight out of the last nine Premier League tours. They also have problems in defence: the Eagles have conceded 26 goals in 18 matches, both away and home. 

For Crystal Palace this week, main keeper Johnston, top scorer Eduard, central defender Ward, defensive midfielder Doucoure, promising midfielder Rak-Sakyi and Rob Holding will all be sidelined through injury. In Eduard's absence, the start is expected to go to Mateta, who will receive flanking support from wingers Olise and Jordan Ayew. Moreover, Roy Hodgson may be able to rely on Eberechi Eze: the playmaker played 20 minutes in the match against Brighton and trained with the main group all week. If he doesn't pick up any new injuries, this could be the lone change to the starting line-up compared to the previous tour. Chris Richards will continue to play as a centre-back. 

Head-to-Head 

Last season, Chelsea beat Palace twice: 1:0 at home and 2:1 at Selhurst Park. Moreover, in the previous 12 direct duels, it was the Blues who claimed victory each time. 

Match prediction for Chelsea - Crystal Palace

Surely, Chelsea are struggling and deservedly reside mid-table this season. However, they simply have to beat a crisis-ridden Palace at home, who have not tasted success in seven consecutive games. The return of Nkunku should bring dynamic movement to the Blues' attack, and the opponent will be weakened due to a crowded infirmary. My prediction is a victory for the favourite. 

Total Goals Prediction

Neither of these teams scored over three goals combined in any of their last five head-to-head encounters. As both find themselves in suboptimal conditions, a Total Under 3 goals bet seems reasonable.