Chelsea have endured a poor run of form, but they are still the favourite in this derby. The best bet is for both teams to score.
Match info: Premier League
Venue: Selhurst Park, London
Date: Saturday, 4th January 2025
Time: 4 pm Nigerian time
Chelsea will look to improve on an awful end to 2024 when they travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace in their first Premier League game of the new year on Saturday.
Enzo Maresca's men lost their final two games of the year to drop down the table and a long way off league leaders Liverpool.
Head-to-head:
- Crystal Palace have won just 4 of the 31 Premier League meetings between the two teams.
- Chelsea have recorded 24 victories.
- The remaining 3 clashes ended in draws.
- Only 1 of their last 5 encounters produced a clean sheet.
- 8 of their last 10 meetings produced at least 2 goals.
- Before the first leg, Chelsea won 10 straight Games against Palace.
- There has never been a draw when these two teams play at Selhurst Park.
- The most common result of matches between the two teams at Selhurst Park is 0-1.
Form:
- Crystal Palace in the league: D-W-L-D-W
- Crystal Palace in all competitions: W-L-L-D-W
- Chelsea in the League: W-W-D-L-L
- Chelsea in all competitions: W-W-D-L-L
Team News:
- Adam Wharton and Matheus Franca will miss the game for Crystal Palace.
- Benoit Badiashile, Carney Chukwuemeka, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Romeo Lavia, and Wesley Fofana will miss the game for the visitors with injuries.
Player(s) to watch:
- Jean-Philippe Mateta is the player to watch for Crystal Palace in this game. He has scored seven goals and provided two assists in the 23 games played across competitions this season. Jean-Philippe Mateta, the French striker for Crystal Palace, is known for his physicality, speed, and goal-scoring prowess. His aerial ability and finishing make him a significant threat.
- Cole Palmer is the player to watch out for Chelsea in this game. He has scored 12 goals and provided six assists in the 21 games across competitions. His dribbling, passing, and goal-scoring from various angles showcase his maturity. His work ethic and consistency at a young age are sensational.