Chelsea vs Crystal Palace: Preview, Free Tip & Prediction

13.08.2021 10:30

The reigning European champions will take on south-east London rivals the Eagles in a little London derby at home to Stamford Bridge to open the first round of England's top competition.

Background information, team news and form

Chelsea had a rollercoaster ride last season. After the season before last, when club legend Frank Lampard took over as manager, and despite the inability to register new players even from the academy boys, Chelsea secured a Champions League place in the first half of the following season despite the huge purchases that the Blues made to compensate for the ban from the previous transfer window, the chair under the Blues icon turned and at the turn of the year, the German coach Thomas Tuchel replaced him in the position. At the moment the German pilot took over, few would have thought that the west London team would be hailed as the best team in Europe at the end of May. The Blues, after a great preparation for the new season, also made a great start in their first tough Super Cup match against Villeareal, where they won 2-1 after penalties and extra time.

The team, which is co-owned by Steven Parish, after 4 years, has already left the Premier League managerial legend Roy Hodgson and he was replaced by the newly rising and former Arsenal and Inter Milan star - Patrick Viera. The Crystal Palace management will be hoping that the new manager will have the same positive effect at Selhurst Park as the just mentioned German pilot did at Chelsea in London. However, it must be added that the French football legend will have slightly tougher conditions to work in. The Eagles let go for free a fair amount of ageing first-team players in the summer, and although a rejuvenation of the squad was already needed, it was to come gradually rather than in such a mass exodus. Players who have left the club include Gary Cahill, Scot Dann, James Mccarthy, Mahmadou Sakho, Andros Townsend. It must be said that all of the aforementioned were already seasoned matadors within the premier league, but on the other hand, the necessary dose of experience that disappeared with their departure from the club may be missed by the Eagles.

 

   

Betdoin's view of the match

Looking at the odds, one can immediately spot the favourite. The bookmakers consider Chelsea to be an unreasonable favourite for me at odds of 1.2. The interesting bets, according to value, are more related in the form of away bets. However, in this regard, it should be remembered that Crystal Palace is undergoing a generational renewal and Chelsea under Tomas Tuchel has dramatically reduced the number of goals received. This is a London derby though, so I'd be more likely to look for yellow card bets.

 

 

Absentees and estimated line-ups

After the great form that Hakim Ziyech caught during the pre-season came a quick cooling down of his plans. He picked up a shoulder injury during Wednesday's Super Final against Villereal after scoring a goal for the Blues and his recovery will require at least 2 months of rest. Romelu Lukaku, who transferred from Inter Milan to Chelsea this week, is likely to be benched for fitness reasons only. The same goes for Thiago Silva, Ben Chilwell and Reece James who didn't even make it off the bench during Wednesday's Super Cup and due to their late involvement in training and their fitness levels, they are not 100%.  Otherwise, Thomas Tuchel should have all the players at his disposal, including promising academy defender Trevor Chalobah.

The South East London Eagles will have to do without the services of defensive midfielder Conor Gallagher, who is on loan just from Chelsea London and his contract does not allow him to play against his parent club. Also likely to make his debut is former Chelsea London offspring March Guehi, who transferred to the Eagles this summer. Who Patrick Viera won't be able to rely on is Reading's new young acquisition Michael Olise, who was injured in the first pre-season game and the long injured duo of Nathan Ferguson and Eberechi Eze, who are struggling with long term injuries.

Chelsea's estimated line-up:

Kepa - Rudiger, Zouma, Azpilicueta, Alonso, Kante, Jorghinho, Hudon - Odoi - Mount, Havertz - Werner

Crystal Palace - estimated line-up:

Guaita - Mitchell, Guéhi, Kouyaté, Ward - Schlupp, Riedewadl, McArthur - Zaha, Mateta, Ayew

 

Free tip for Chelsea vs Crystal Palace - Chelsea will receive more than 0.5 yellow cards

 

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace frequently asked questions:

Where to watch Chelsea vs Crystal Palace live on TV?  Premier sport. 

What players to watch during the match? Mason Mount, Timo Werner, Wilfried Zaha, Ngolo Kante

Who is the favourite for the match? Chelsea is the favourite according to the bookmakers (1,30).

How did the last game between the two teams end? Crystal Palace 1:4 Chelsea, 10/04/2021.

What time does the game start? Kick-off at 16:00.

What stadium will the game be played in? Stamford Bridge (London)

Where can I find the match at Betdoin? Full statistics can be found here.

 

 

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