Chelsea FC host Crystal Palace looking to register back-to-back wins for the first time this season
Chelsea FC managed to clinch the first victory of their 2015/16 Premier League campaign last Sunday as they squeezed past West Brom 3-2. This weekend, they return to Stamford Bridge looking to truly put the nightmare start behind them as they take on Crystal Palace.
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The Blues found themselves in a tough spot having only acquired one point from their opening two games. They had drawn with Swansea while being humiliated by Manchester City a week later. However, with the signings of Abdul Baba Rahman, Kenedy and most importantly Pedro in the aftermath of the City loss, the club were buoyed by fresh positivity.
This was carried into the West Brom game where Chelsea took a 3-1 lead and looked like a completely different side. Unfortunately, the dismissal of John Terry (the second Blues red card in three games) changed the complexion of the clash and Jose Mourinho’s men were almost lucky to escape with the 3-2 win.
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Nonetheless, the three points is all that counts and the Blues will expect to make it consecutive wins when Alan Pardew’s Palace visit. I don’t even want to think about the crisis that will arise should Chelsea somehow lose this fixture.
Mourinho will undoubtedly be weary of the Eagles after an impressive start to the season. They have won two of their opening three league games with the only loss coming in a tight meeting with Arsenal. They also disposed of Shrewsbury Town in the Capital One Cup a few days ago. Pardew is a top manager and he’s got a great squad under him.
In case Blues fans were wondering, Patrick Bamford will not be available for Palace due to the terms of his loan deal. Given the way he played against Shrewsbury, it was unlikely that he would feature anyway.
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With all that, here is all you need to know.
Chelsea FC v Crystal Palace, August 29th
Venue: Stamford Bridge
KO: 15:00 BST, 10:00 ET
TV: None (UK), NBC Sports Live Extra and USA Network (US), check your country’s local listings here
In the two fixtures last season, Chelsea emerged victorious in both. They defeated Palace at Selhurst Park 2-1 while winning 1-0 at the Bridge.
Be sure to check back here as we will post the teams as soon as they become available.
Chelsea FC Team:
Courtois;
Ivanovic (C), Cahill, Zouma, Azpilicueta;
Matic, Fabregas;
Pedro, Willian, Hazard;
Diego Costa
Bench: Begovic, Baba Rahman, Mikel, Loftus-Cheek, Kenedy, Remy, Falcao
Crystal Palace Team:
McCarthy;
Ward, Dann, Delaney, Souare;
McArthur, Cabaye;
Zaha, Puncheon, Sako;
Wickham
Bench: Hennessy, Mariappa, Ledley, Bolasie, Mutch, Lee, Gayle
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