The odds slightly favour Chelsea, but the potential for a draw is significant, given both teams' recent forms.
The Premier League clash between Chelsea and Crystal Palace on December 27, 2023, is set to be an exciting match.
Scheduled for 8:30 pm WAT kickoff at Stamford Bridge, London, this fixture presents both teams with an opportunity to gain crucial points.
Key Players and Team News
Chelsea, under Mauricio Pochettino, have shown signs of improvement but are yet to find consistency. They will be without Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer, both suspended and face several injury concerns, including Reece James and Robert Sanchez. Christopher Nkunku might get his first start for Chelsea in this match.
For Crystal Palace, Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise are key players who could make a significant impact. Sam Johnstone might return from injury, providing a boost for the Eagles.
Recent Form and Head-to-Head Record
Chelsea's recent form has been mixed, with a notable win against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-finals but a loss to Wolves on Christmas Eve.
Crystal Palace has shown resilience in recent matches but has struggled to turn performances into wins. Historically, Chelsea has had the upper hand over Crystal Palace, maintaining a 12-game winning streak against them.
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Tactical Analysis
Chelsea is expected to dominate possession and will look to exploit Crystal Palace's defensive vulnerabilities. On the other hand, Palace will likely adopt a more conservative approach, aiming to counterattack through the pace of Eze and Olise.
Given Chelsea's injury issues and Palace's resilience, the match could be a tightly contested affair.
Betting Tips
The odds slightly favour Chelsea, but the potential for a draw is significant, given both teams' recent forms. Betting odds suggest a likelihood of both teams scoring, with under 2.5 goals being a recommended bet.
Match Prediction
Considering all factors, a 1-1 draw seems a likely outcome, with both teams showing enough quality to score and displaying vulnerabilities that the opposition game could exploit.
How to watch
The match will be broadcast live on Supersports at 8:30 pm WAT. Fans can also follow live updates and expert analysis online.