CHELSEA are back in Premier League action as they make the short trip south to Crystal Palace.
The Blues were in Abu Dhabi last week as they won the Club World Cup for the first time, edging out Palmeiras after extra time.
Next up they face a Palace side who haven't recorded a Premier League win in 2022.
The Eagles drew 0-0 at Brentford over the weekend and before that a comedy penalty miss from Wilfried Zaha saw them held to a 1-1 draw at Norwich.
And they will be without key man Conor Gallagher, as he is on loan from Chelsea.
Conor Gallagher is not playing for Crystal Palace as part of his loan agreement with Chelsea – so he cannot play against his parent club.
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
What time does Crystal Palace vs Chelsea kick off?
- Crystal Palace vs Chelsea takes place on Saturday, February 19.
- The match kicks off at 3pm UK time.
- It takes place at Selhurst Park.
- The sides last met in August when Chelsea ran out 3-0 winners at Stamford Bridge.
What TV channel is Crystal Palace vs Chelsea on and can I live stream it?
- Unfortunately, Crystal Palace vs Chelsea is not live on UK television.
- This is because of the TV blackout law which runs from 2.45pm to 5.15pm.
- In the United States, Crystal Palace vs Chelsea is live on USA Network.
- To stream it live, head to the NBC Sports website.
Stay up to date with all the action from Selhurst Park in our live blog…
- Kieran Davies
Vieira focussed
When you play big teams you have to lay well as a team. You have to accept to do the dirty work. You have to accept that you may not have the possession that you want. We will have to work well and hard to allow ourselves to get a result.
Patrick Vieira
- Kieran Davies
Chelsea starting XI:
Malang Sarr starts for Chelsea today after substitute appearances in the World Club Cup.
Loftus-Cheek starts on the bench after an injury lay-off.
- Kieran Davies
Palace starting XI:
James McArthur returns to the team, taking the captain's armband at the same time.
Kouyate slots back in after his Africa Cup of Nations adventures.
- Kieran Davies
League focus
Asked about Chelsea's Premier League ambitions now this season:
The most important game is against Crystal Palace then after that we go again switching competitions which is a good sign because it tells us we are in many competitions. We can’t get less passionate about what we do. Let’s keep going and push ourselves to the limit.
Thomas Tuchel
- Kieran Davies
Palace boost
Patrick Viera's side will miss in-form Conor Gallagher who cannot play against his parent club today.
They will welcome back Cheikhou Kouyate from AFCON duty where he helped Senegal win the trophy.
The return of James McArthur will help fill the hole left by Gallagher along with fit again Will Hughes.
- Kieran Davies
One eye on Lille
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel will have Champions League action in his thoughts when it comes to today's game at Selhurst Park.
There has not been a draw between these two teams in the last 21 meetings (Palace 4, Chelsea 17).
Chelsea's defeat against West Ham in December ended a run of seven consecutive Premier League away wins in London derbies.
- Alex Terrell
Latest odds
Crystal Palace 9/2
Draw 11/4
Chelsea 4/6
*Odds from Betfair correct at time of posting
- Kieran Davies
Bridge boost
Conor Gallagher is ineligible for Palace today against his parent club.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek is available for Chelsea after an achilles injury.
The ankle injury picked up by Mason Mount in Abu Dhabi will keep him out of the game today.
- Kieran Davies
Twelfth man
Palace often seem a completely different proposition at Selhurst Park with the home fans really acting like an extra man when they get behind their team.
The Eagles have not lost three top-flight home games on the bounce since July 2020.
A victory for Palace today would see them win three games against top-four opposition in a single top-flight campaign for the first time ever, although they have lost both home games so far in 2022.
- Kieran Davies
Blue domination
Chelsea have won their last 8 games against Crystal Palace.
Their most recent Premier League win against Tottenham, was just a second win in eight top-flight matches.
The Blues haven’t won back-to-back league games since October.
- Kieran Davies
Eagles to soar
Palace can equal the club top-flight record of scoring in 12 successive home matches, set from February to October 1990.
Should Viera’s side win today, it will be the first time Chelsea have lost back-to-back London derbies on the road since December 2017.
Two of Crystal Palace’s five wins this season have come against teams starting the day in the top four (Tottenham and Man City).
- Kieran Davies
Welcome to Palace vs Chelsea
Chelsea return victorious from the United Arab Emirates having won the Club World Cup with a 2-1 extra-time win against Palmeiras from Brazil.
The Blues have not played in the Premier League since 22nd January but Thomas Tuchel’s side have had the luxury of 7 days off since their Abu Dhabi win and will be hoping his Chelsea side will be all refreshed for the challenge of Crystal Palace today.
Pundits tipped Tuchel’s Chelsea to win the title this season but we were shown again that irrelevant to the depth of your squad, injuries in key areas end any hope of challenging for the Premier League crown.
Long-term injuries to Reece James and Ben Chilwell hurt the West London outfit badly and the whole rhythm of their run of form at the time was severely damaged.
Since then, they have fallen behind Man City and Liverpool and have had to look over their shoulder at the chasing pack behind them and will be looking to make a statement at Selhurst Park today.
Palace are on their worst run of the season having only managed three points from their last five games.
The Eagles have only won one of their last sixteen Premier League London derbies.
Source: Read Full Article
