Crystal Palace vs Chelsea Preview

January 2, 2016
By: Deke Hardman

Diego Costa Spain

Sunday’s Premier League action kicks off at Selhurst Park where Crystal Palace face Chelsea.

The hosts began the weekend in fifth place after stringing together a six game unbeaten run, though they go in to this game on the back of back-to-back goalless draws.

Victory here will move them to within a point of fourth place Tottenham Hotspur, who travel to Everton later on Sunday afternoon.

Alan Pardew is without a host of first team players with attacking quartet Yannick Bolasie, Connor Wickham, Bakary Sako and Dwight Gayle all out injured, Yohan Cabaye suspended and Patrick Bamford having terminated his loan deal with the club.

Frazier Campbell is priced at 9.5 (17/2) to get the first goal of the game with Bet 365 with Marouane Chamakh an 11.0 (10/1) chance with the same firm.

The home win is as highly priced as the 3.9 (29/10) on offer from Betfair, with the visitor’s favourites at a widely available 2.1 (11/10). The draw can be backed at 3.5 (5/2) with a variety of firms.

The Blues are still looking for their first win in Guus Hiddink’s second spell in charge of the club, with Monday’s goalless draw with Manchester United keeping them fifteen points off the Champions League qualification places.

Top scorer Diego Costa returns from suspension and is set to lead the line with Loic Remy doubtful and Radamel Falcao out while Gary Cahill could play after shaking off an ankle problem.

Costa is favourite to open the scoring at 5.5 (9/2) with a number of bookmakers ahead of 7.5 (13/2) shot Eden Hazard, who is still looking for his first goal of the campaign.

The Eagles ran out winners when the sides met at Stamford Bridge back in August though both of last season’s clashes ended in triumph for the would be champions.

With the two sides enduring very different campaigns so far, you may be tempted to stay true to current form and back Palace to win to nil at a very generous 7.0 (6/1) with Bet Victor while the home clean sheet is priced at 3.75 (11/4) with Bet 365.

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