Chelsea FC host Crystal Palace on Sunday in the second consecutive London derby for the Eagles. In their last outing, Palace played Arsenal to a 2-2 draw that felt like a win for Roy Hodgson’s side. Now they will try to hand the Blues their first loss of the 2018-19 campaign, but that is certainly a very tall order.
That task will be made even tougher now that Chelsea will most likely have their franchise player and top gun Eden Hazard back in the mix. Chelsea assistant coach Gianfranco Zola confirmed that the Belgian’s ailing back is “much better” and he’s now likely to feature after having missed the Blues’ last three competitions.
Elsewhere, Pedro has not been in action since he left the win over Burnley, and his return date is still unknown at this time. Manager Maurizio Sarri said of the Pedro setback:
“I don’t know exactly when he will return. I spoke with the doctor for a few seconds and he said it was a very strong stomach ache.”
Additionally, Ethan Ampadu remains out with the knee injury that he suffered on international duty. Switching over to the visitors, there are three first team level players currently out injured.
Christian Benteke underwent minor surgery on a troublesome knee problem, which could keep him out for the rest of the calendar year. Joel Ward has missed the last three matches due to a muscular injury, and will likely be unavailable here again. Long-term absentee Scott Dann is still working his way back to match fitness after recovering from a serious knee injury.
However, it appears that Wilfried Zaha should be ready to go, with his shoulder injury reportedly not a serious issue.
Crystal Palace at Chelsea FC FYIs
Maurizio Sarri Press Conference quotes: go to this link
Kickoff/TV: Sunday, November 4, 4PM local Stamford Bridge, Sky Sports
Odds via bwin: Crystal Palace 21/2, Draw 5/1, Chelsea FC 13/50
Chelsea Starting XI Prediction: go to this link
Prediction: Chelsea FC 3, Crystal Palace 0
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, regularly appears as a guest pundit on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
He also contributes sociopolitical essays to Lineups.com and Chicago Now. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram. The content of his cat’s Instagram account is unquestionably superior to his.