It took three attempts, but Chelsea finally got the result they had been seeking for this season - a win. After a disappointing draw to Swansea City and a humiliating loss to Manchester City, questions were already being asked of the Blues and of course, of manager Jose Mourinho. The arrival of Pedro from Barcelona, though, could not have come at a better time for the reigning Premier League champions, and the speedy attacker could not have asked for a better debut.
There is no better way for a player to endear himself to his new fans by playing a vital role in their success, and Pedro's goal as well as an assist for Diego Costa were instrumental in the team edging out West Brom 3-2 for their first three points of the season. The 2010 World Cup and EURO 2012 winner, oftentimes marginalized with the Blaugrana due to a lack of consistent first-team football, appeared to be a man completely re-energized and supporters will hope that he keeps up those same kind of top performances as they not only seek to retain their league crown, but also to go far in the Champions League this season.
Now back at Stamford Bridge, in front of their home fans, the onus will be on Chelsea to make it a second straight win. However, Crystal Palace have earned a victory in three out of their last four matches across all competitions, and will be hoping to do what they did back on March 29, 2014 - to defeat their fellow London-based opponents. Prior to then, the Eagles had last beaten the Blues on August 28, 1990.
So far this term, Alan Pardew's men have earned six points from their first three league fixtures, but have been unable to keep a clean sheet. Nonetheless, they are currently two points ahead of Chelsea in the new league table and will surely hope to widen that gap as they make the trek across town to Stamford Bridge in search of their first win there since 1982.
In terms of available personnel, the glaring absence will be John Terry for the hosts. The veteran defender was given his first red card in over five seasons during his team's victory over West Brom after being adjudged to have fouled Salomón Rondón, and so, will have to serve a one-match ban. Both Oscar and Victor Moses are still recovering from injury, but new defender Baba Rahman could make his debut whilst young French starlet Kurt Zouma could partner Gary Cahill in the center of defense.
As for Crystal Palace, Pardew will have to make do sans the services of Mile Jedinak, who suffered a hamstring injury during their win over Shrewsbury Town in the League Cup. However, other than long-term absentees such as Kwesi Appiah and Marouane Chamakh, he will have a solid line-up available for selection as they hope to earn their first win at Stamford Bridge in over three decades.
Key stats for Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace
- Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho will reach a monumental milestone later today. The Portuguese tactician will be on the bench for his 100th Premier League home game with the Blues and 200th match overall.
- Out of the 99 games at Stamford Bridge, Mourinho has won 76 and lost just one.
- The last time Chelsea lost to Crystal Palace at home was back in 1982.
- Crystal Palace coach Pardew has won four out of his last seven Premier League games against Chelsea.
- However, all three of his losses have come at Stamford Bridge (where he has only won one match).
- The Eagles have given up exactly one goal in their last seven away fixtures, which means the possibility of conceding at Stamford Bridge is quite high.
- Two out Chelsea's past three games have seen the Blues finish with 10 men on the pitch. The first was against Swansea, when Thibaut Courtois was dismissed and the second against West Brom when John Terry was expelled.
Will this be the turning point for Chelsea? Or will Crystal Palace deny them of their first win this season at Stamford Bridge?
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Chelsea vs Crystal Palace team sheets
Chelsea lineup: Courtois; Ivanovic (c), Cahill, Zouma, Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Pedro, Willian, Hazard; Diego Costa
Crystal Palace lineup: McCarthy, Ward, Dann, Delaney (c), Souare, McArthur, Cabaye, Zaha, Puncheon, Sako, Wickham
Chelsea bench: Begovic, Baba, Mikel, Loftus-Cheek, Kenedy, Remy, Falcao
Crystal Palace bench: Hennessey, Mariappa, Chung-yong Lee, Mutch, Ledley, Bolasie, Gayle
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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