Crystal Palace vs Chelsea: Match Preview, Latest Team News and How to Watch | OneFootball

Crystal Palace vs Chelsea preview as Premier League context shifts

Chelsea’s return to the Premier League this weekend arrives wrapped in momentum and questions in equal measure. Travelling across London to face Crystal Palace, the Blues are chasing a third consecutive win across all competitions, while their hosts are navigating one of the more unsettled spells in recent memory.

There has been a notable uplift since Liam Rosenior took charge at Chelsea. Four matches have produced three victories, ten goals and two clean sheets, a return that hints at coherence rather than transformation. The midweek success against Pafos kept Champions League qualification firmly in view, though the sharper edge of this season remains the domestic race for a top four finish.

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Away form, however, still nags. Chelsea have not won a league game on the road since November, a statistic that lingers despite improved performances. Even so, the trip to Selhurst Park appears inviting on paper.

Palace disruption meets Chelsea momentum

Palace’s campaign has slipped into turbulence. Four defeats in their last six league outings have drained confidence, and the mood has darkened further following the departure of captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City. That exit has forced a defensive rethink, while uncertainty off the pitch has compounded the problem.

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Head coach Oliver Glasner has confirmed he will leave at the end of the season, prompting clear the air talks within the squad. Matters worsened when Jean-Philippe Mateta informed the club of his desire to depart during the current window, with interest from Aston Villa and Juventus. Stability has been hard to find, and the sense is of a side treading water.

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Team news shapes Premier League contest

There are, however, selection boosts for the hosts. Jefferson Lerma is expected to continue in a back three, having filled in during the transition period around Guehi’s exit. More significantly, Ismaila Sarr returns after helping Senegal secure a second Africa Cup of Nations title, and is set for an immediate recall to the front line. Whether Mateta features remains uncertain given his stance.

Chelsea’s news is more straightforward. Robert Sanchez is poised to return after Filip Jorgensen was forced off against Pafos. Cole Palmer should be back after missing midweek as a precaution, while Reece James was substituted purely for minute management.

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Long term absentees remain Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill, while Tosin Adarabioyo faces a spell out with a hamstring issue.

Prediction and recent head to head context

When these sides met on the opening weekend, Palace were buoyant and deserved their point. That feels like another season. With Eberechi Eze also gone, and with uncertainty clouding every department, Palace look vulnerable.

Chelsea, by contrast, appear to know where they are heading, even if the destination is still distant. Given the current context, anything less than three points would feel like a missed opportunity.

Chelsea to win, 2-0.

The recent history supports that confidence. Chelsea have not lost to Palace since October 2017, a run stretching to 17 matches. The last three meetings ended in draws, but the broader record remains heavily tilted.

Crystal Palace wins: 12Chelsea wins: 38Draws: 18