Chelsea to get on the winning trail
Chelsea host Crystal Palace on Sunday in a very important London derby for two out-of-form sides.
The Blues went down 2-1 at Fulham on Thursday evening in a West London derby, with Kalidou Koulibaly coming up with their only goal from a set piece.
The Eagles are comfortably good enough to avoid slipping into a relegation battle this season, but recent results will have supporters looking over their shoulders, even though they are seven points clear of the bottom three.
Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen are performing well below the standards that they set last season, and the Blues will fancy their chances of getting back to winning ways at Stamford Bridge.
The injury list that Graham Potter is dealing with at the moment should be recognised amidst their struggles, the Blues will be without: Armando Broja, Ben Chilwell, Christian Pulisic, Denis Zakaria, Edouard Mendy, N’Golo Kante, Raheem Sterling, Reece James, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Wesley Fofana and Joao Felix due to suspension.
Nathan Ferguson and James McArthur will miss out for the visitors, who will be motivated to upset the odds.
Process
Palace have looked poor this season, when many would have expected them to finish in the top half this term, Conor Gallagher’s absence in midfield has been clear to see.
Patrick Vieira’s men have scored 17 goals from as many outings, from chances equating to 19.6 expected goals (xG) for, posting just 1.15 xGF per game.
Chelsea also have a negative xG process, but not as concerning as that of the Eagles, who are allowing 1.64 xGA per game.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang may come into the starting XI due to Felix’s three-game ban, with Kai Havertz and Mason Mount set to take on responsibility in the attacking third.
This Chelsea squad is not as bad as their recent run suggests, and Palace could prove low-hanging fruit to get back on the winning trail.
Goals?
I am happy with a short outright play in this match, but unders may also be a sensible way in.
Chelsea have scored in five of ten.
Chelsea have conceded in nine of ten.
Chelsea have seen both teams score in four of ten.
Chelsea have seen over 2.5 goals in four of ten.
Palace have scored in five of ten.
Palace have conceded in seven of ten.
Palace have seen both teams score in three of ten.
Palace have seen over 2.5 goals in six of ten.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Kai Havertz comes up with an important goal for Graham Potter, 1-0.