Chelsea at Crystal Palace score predictions: Weekend win at Selhurst Park

Chelsea is back in action in the Premier League after nearly a month away from English top flight competition. It returns to domestic play following recent triumph in the FIFA Club World Cup, winning the prestigious trophy for the first time in the club’s history. Now, the weight is seemingly off Thomas Tuchel’s men’s shoulders. That is, at least, for the next few days, until they prepare for the chance to win a third trophy this season with the Carabao Cup. Results over the last few weeks mean the Blues sit comfortably in the table at third. This position has been put in a world of its own as Chelsea is out of the title race, but holds a sizable advantage in the top four push.

Meanwhile, its weekend opponent, Crystal Palace, could do with three points this weekend. The Eagles have managed to stay above the relegation zone (13th). Nevertheless, they sit just nine points above the drop as things stand. Patrick Vieira and Co. will be without their best player in Conor Gallagher, who is ineligible to play against his parent club. On the other hand, the Blues will also be without arguably their best player in Mason Mount (injury). The recently crowned World Champions got the better of their foes last time out, 3-0 on opening day. Will Selhurst Park play host to another lopsided contest or will Crystal Palace effectively stand their ground?

Here is how The Pride of London team sees the contest playing out:

Olaoluwa Nwobodo: 0-3 Chelsea

If you thought Hakim Ziyech has been playing well, wait until you see how he plays in this game. The Blues no longer have any hard fixtures remaining—not that they have easy ones—with clubs entering the business end of the season. Chelsea will want to go on a long winning run, especially now that Reece James is back. Brace for Ziyech.

Gabe Henderson: 1-3 Chelsea

To predict a sloppy goal conceded by the Blues or not to predict a sloppy goal conceded by the Blues? That is the question. Chelsea hasn’t lost to Crystal Palace in the league since 2017, despite some fierce battles between the two sides in between. The Blues seemingly always concede a goal against the run of play against the Eagles though. They destroyed Vieira’s side on matchweek one, but I think that can be attributed more to their excellence and Crystal Palace’s chemistry issues. The Eagles had a massive squad overhaul in the summer and it was their first real game playing together. Expect a closer affair this time around. Nevertheless, it’ll still be a comfortable win for the visitors in the end.

Leighton September: 0-3 Chelsea

This team could score a handful of goals with a partnership like Havertz and Lukaku. The loss of our star boy Mount will be felt, but the team really grew in Abu Dhabi. The week without Tuchel seems to have had a positive impact on the squad from within. The boys will be re-engerised for the end of season fixture pile-up and with motivation for even more trophies on the horizon, the World Champions will need no bigger motivation than that.

Anthony Gatt: 1-2 Chelsea

Crystal Palace won’t have Gallagher, which will benefit the Blues as the Chelsea loanee has been the Eagles’ best player this season. That aside, fresh off the Club World Cup triumph, I fully expect a motivated team to have to enough to beat Vieira’s Palace side and take all three points heading into its UCL tie against Lille on Tuesday.

Barrett Rouen: 1-2 Chelsea

I just think we’ll end up winning this thing. We’re not very good but we’re better than Palace. Not by as much as we likely think and that’s where all our problems arise anyway. Oh well.

Mike Malley: 0-2 Chelsea

The Blues need to come out strong in their return to Premier League action, so a contest with the always-exciting Eagles isn’t exactly what the doctor ordered. Keeping Vieira’s side off the score sheet has been difficult recently, but coming back to London with the Club World Cup in hand should boost Chelsea’s confidence. Lukaku has punished Palace in the past and two goals in his previous two matches will hopefully extend to three in three on Saturday.

Kevin Peacock: 0-2 Chelsea

Winning whilst playing poorly is a good trait. With the trophies piling up, the result of this game is unlikely to help deliver any silverware. Nonetheless, it’s crucial that game time is given to those that need it, either to benefit their confidence or fitness. The knock-out phase of the Champions League is pending and there’s another final to contest a week away. Chelsea’s season is building to a crescendo and the current World and European Champions are continuing to make history.

What is your score prediction? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on Twitter!