Game Week 1 Predictions: Chelsea to beat Palace

Chelsea host Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge as Maresca’s side look to shake off rust, while Palace face uncertainty over Eze and Guehi’s futures.

Chelsea must make their home advantage count when they host Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. (Photo credit: GOAL)

 Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

Stamford Bridge Stadium

2:00pm

The big guns have started well; Manchester City destroyed Wolves 4-0, Liverpool rallied to beat Bournemouth 4-2 on the opening night, and even Spurs took Burnley to the cleaners 3-0.

Sunday is for the world champions and the blockbuster fixture of game week one at Old Trafford between Manchester United and Arsenal, but our focus here would be the one between the reigning FA Cup champions and the champions of the world, Chelsea.

Whichever way you choose to look at it, this game is tilted towards the hosts, and the pressure will be on Enzo Maresca’s side as they entertain the Eagles, who could be without Eberechi Eze, who is on his way to Tottenham according to transfer rumours.

Palace should be the sharper because they have been in pre-season for longer, with Chelsea only coming back from holiday last week after their Club World Cup triumph. Oliver Glasner’s side beat Liverpool on penalties in the Community Shield last weekend; that could count for something.

There are a host of names you want to see in this game. Liam Delap and Joao Pedro will fight for the right to lead the line, while Chelsea has lots of options on the wing, including Estevao, who joined from Brazil over the summer.

Palace could be down to bare bones soon; Liverpool is aiming to sign Marc Guehi, who has confirmed he won’t sign a new deal at the club, and the chairman has also reiterated that they won’t allow him to go for free. Are they about to take the money?

How will they approach this? Palace likes to sit deep, soak up pressure and then hit their opponents on the break; however, you don’t want to allow Chelsea to run over you. There won’t be a way back, as the Blues can be disciplined in possession when they want to lock shop.

The centre-back partnership for Chelsea will be the area to look at. Levi Colwill is out on a long-term, and that could mean Jorrel Hato could be called on to start. There are the likes of Nathan Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo and the returning Wesley Fofana to choose from; Maresca must have some selection headaches.

Jean-Philippe Mateta is the man to watch upfront for the Eagles, while Ismaila Sarr can also hurt any defence on his day. This is one game you don’t want to stick your neck out on. It can go anywhere, especially with Chelsea being rusty.

Verdict: Chelsea to win.