Crystal Palace vs Chelsea Prediction & Betting Tips (4 January)

On a remarkable run last season which allowed them to finish in the first half of the ranking, the Eagles are fighting this 2024-2025 season for maintenance, currently occupying 15th place. With 5 points ahead of the red zone, they owe their position to their recent victory against Southampton, last in the standings. Before that, their last success was a 1-3 victory against Brighton. In the meantime, they suffered two defeats against Arsenal, in the Carabao Cup 3-2 then in the championship 1-5. Their 0-0 draw at Bournemouth on Boxing Day, however, marks a slight improvement in their momentum. Premier League heavyweight Chelsea FC have seen their title ambitions seriously compromised recently.

With a dense workforce making it easier to manage their multiple deadlines, the London club remained on a series of five consecutive victories in the league, notably against Southampton 1-5, Tottenham 3-4 and Brentford 2-1. Only a 0-0 draw against Everton had slowed their momentum. However, Enzo Maresca's men suffered two worrying setbacks, against Fulham and Ipswich, leaving Liverpool slipping away at the top with a 10-point lead and a game in hand and allowing Arsenal and Nottingham Forest to edge them out in the race to the podium. Chelsea are now 4th.

For the Eagles, defender Riad returned to competition last weekend, and defender Guéhi will do the same after serving his suspension. Only Wharton, Franca, and Holding, replacements, will be missing on Saturday. Olympic vice-champion with the Bleuets, the Frenchman Mateta scored 7 goals in all competitions, including 4 in the Premier League, just like the ex-Marseillais Sarr (4 goals). The attacking trio is completed by Eze (2 goals, 2 assists), key playmaker and scorer in the London team's last match. Crystal Palace Chelsea The Blues will be without injured Frenchmen Badiashile and Fofana, as well as Chukwuemeka, Kellyman and Lavia.

Mudryk is suspended for doping. With 12 goals in the Premier League this season, including one on Thursday against Fulham, the Englishman Palmer remains their most decisive player, ahead of the Senegalese Jackson and his 9 goals. However, neither scored on Monday.