Chelsea vs Palace: Chelsea opens their Premier League campaign with a home match against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Match Details:
Teams: Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
Date: Saturday 14th August, 2021
Time: 07:30 PM IST
Live Link: https://www.hotstar.com/in/sports/football/list/premier-league-202122/t-7302
Preview
Chelsea welcome Crystal Palace to the Bridge as they look to open their Premier League 2021-22 campaign in style.
The Blues managed to secure a 4th place finish last season; a lot of it was possible once Tuchel arrived onto the scene.
Thomas transformed Chelsea into a top side within a few months and helped the Blues to a FA Cup final, where they lost and a UCL triumph against Man City.
Chelsea come into this season on the back of a good pre-season and a Super Cup triumph; where they beat Villarreal on penalties.
Ziyech broke the deadlock before Moreno cancelled out his strike. Kepa kept his cool during the spot-kicks and made wonderful saves to give his side yet another European Trophy.
On the other hand, Crystal Palace did not enjoy a good campaign last season and will look to improve their performances this time around.
The Eagles were victorious in their last 2 pre-season matches against Reading and Watford coming into this one and will provide a stern test to the Blues.
Welcome home, @RomeluLukaku9. 💙#LukWhosBack pic.twitter.com/P43CAIVqfU
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 12, 2021
Both sides met the last time at Selhurst Park last season, where Chelsea won 4-1.
Pulisic’s brace guided the win apart from goals from Havertz and Zouma. Benteke pulled one back for Palace but it proved to be a mere consolation.
This match will be Palace’s new manager, Vieira’s first official match as the club’s boss.
Form Guide
Chelsea: WWWDD
Crystal Palace: LWDWW
Last Matches of both teams:
Chelsea 1-1 Villarreal (6-5 penalties)
Crystal Palace 3-1 Watford
Where to watch the live streaming and broadcast of Chelsea vs Palace in India?
The match can be live streamed on the Hotstar App while the broadcast is available on Star Sports Select network.
Team News
Ziyech remains the only absentee for the Blues after he suffered an injury against Villarreal.
Eze, Ferguson and Olise miss out for Palace due to Achilles Tendon and Back injuries respectively.
Chelsea possible 11:
Mendy, Rudiger, Zouma, Azpilicueta, Hudson-Odoi, Kanté, Kovacic, Alonso, Pulisic, Havertz and Werner
Crystal Palace possible 11:
Guaita, Mitchell, Guehi, Kouyaté, Ward, McArthur, Riedewald, Schlupp, Ayew, Mateta and Zaha
Prediction: Chelsea 3-0 Crystal Palace
The European Champions look a formidable unit and return to the Premier League, high on confidence.
Palace under Vieira will look to begin their campaign well but could be hampered in their pursuit by a strong Chelsea side.
The Blues should win this one comfortably.
Players to watch out for: Kanté, Zaha, Schlupp and Havertz.
