We’re all set for the continuation of the Premier League after the international break. The league-leading Chelsea are set to return in an away game against Crystal Palace. Can the Blues extend their streak of domination? Or will Crystal Palace cause a shocking upset?
For more Premier League action, check out our preview for the West Bromwich Albion vs. Manchester United match on Monday. For a complete look at all the games in the Premier League, don’t miss our weekly EPL predictions and picks.
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Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea Betting Preview
Where: Selhurst Park, London
When: Saturday, October 18, 10:00 AM ET
Line: Chelsea -350 at Crystal Palace +740, tie +365; total 2.5 – view all EPL lines
What’s at Stake?
[sc:Soccer240banner ]A win will either keep or extend Chelsea’s lead over second-place Manchester City, while a loss or draw may have them under pressure from the defending Premier League champions. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are four points off relegation, which makes every loss potentially devastating for the club.
Betting on Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace resume their Premier League season with a shallow backfield due to defenders Adrian Mariappa and Scott Dann nursing injuries. Meanwhile, midfielder Stuart O’Keefe may also miss the match due to his own injury.
The problems don’t stop at the back end. The Eagles don’t figure to have a much better frontline against Chelsea, with no proven goal scorer capable of carrying the team. Defender Mile Jedinak regularly extends on the attack, having scored two goals and an assist, while forward Fraizer Campbell also has a pair of goals.
Still, they may find it difficult to penetrate Chelsea’s talented backfield after their poor offensive show against Hull in their previous league game. The Eagles failed to find the back of the net against Hull on 11 shots. Nevertheless, Crystal Palace have scored at least two goals in three of their last four games in the Premier League.
Part of Crystal Palace’s poor offensive show is their failure to keep possession of the ball. They’ve only controlled the ball for about 35 percent in their previous three matches. Crystal Palace paid for their lack of control as their defense has allowed the fourth-most goals (12) in the Premier League after seven games.
Nonetheless, the Eagles are coming in to this game having won their previous match against Chelsea, albeit due to a John Terry own goal.
Betting on Chelsea
Chelsea is on pace for a dominant season after going undefeated (six wins and one draw) through seven games this season.
However, the Blues will enter this match potentially missing midfielders Eden Hazard and Ramires to injuries. Meanwhile, Andre Schurrle may not suit up due to flu. Still, Chelsea have so much quality even when short-handed.
The Spanish duo of Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas may be more than enough to give Chelsea the full three points from this match. Costa has scored in six of his seven appearances this season, including a hat trick against Swansea, while Fabregas has displayed excellent playmaking from the midfield with seven assists.
In the meantime, center back Branislav Ivanovic should be a solid presence in the backfield against a Crystal Palace offense which was shutout against Hull. At the last line of defense, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had a couple of rough games, conceding three goals against Everton and two to Swansea. Yet, he seems to be back in top form after recording back-to-back clean sheets against Aston Villa and a strong Arsenal offense.
Chelsea have won four of their last five matches against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Writer’s Prediction
Chelsea showcase their offensive power as they blowout Crystal Palace 3-0. Create a betting account now and cash in on the hottest games of European soccer.
