Whenever Chelsea have made the short trip across to Selhurst Park in recent seasons, it’s generally been a journey to remember.
Last season’s 1-0 win was their fourth victory at the venue in the past five campaigns and what’s also worth noting ahead of their trip there on Tuesday is that they’ve also scored on their last five visits.
So, it’s hardly a surprise if Blues fans are expecting another Selhurst Park success.
Chelsea to win
Despite their blip against the Hammers six days ago, Chelsea have been flying too. Six wins in their last seven games, in all competitions, and in four of those games, they’ve kept clean sheets. Their 3-0 win against Watford on Saturday was plain sailing to say the very least.
It’s just as well for Roy Hodgson’s sake that Crystal Palace are well clear of the relegation zone. If they weren’t, you’d be fearing for them right now as they’ve lost their last three games on the trot.
Their 3-0 defeat to Leicester on Saturday, when they only had one shot on target in the entire match, gave the look of a side who are already on their summer holidays. That was their third straight game not to find the net either.
So, Chelsea, with Champions League qualification in their sights, are playing The Eagles at a good time and could find themselves cruising for the glory come the end of this match.
Handicap betting: Chelsea (-1)
A Chelsea win is very much expected but Frank Lampard’s men, with so much flair in their game at the moment, could rack up a sizeable win as well. Chelsea (-1) on the handicap looks very tempting.
Numerous players have stood out for the Blues since the resumption and if you’ve been backing Willian to find the back of the net, you’ve been cleaning up. The Brazilian has scored in five of Chelsea’s last seven games but the key here is that he’s on penalty duty.
In Chelsea’s last three matches, he’s scored from the spot every time. The fact that he takes penalties gives you a chance of collecting every time he plays.
Christian Pulisic to score any time
Ross Barkley has turned his season around too, and he scored the winner against Leicester in the FA Cup, but the player who’s been pulling the strings for Chelsea has been Christian Pulisic.
He was by far their best player against West Ham last week and he’s been much better value for the eight goals he’s scored so far this season. He’s got similar traits to Eden Hazard and every time he gets the ball, he just looks like scoring.
His exceptional pace could have Palace at all ends here and he could easily run riot. Backing him to find the net will always give you a run for your money, but there’s every chance of collecting here in what is likely to be another Blues masterclass.
* Prices on our snazzy new bet widget are bang up to date.
Crystal Palace v Chelsea tips summary:
Chelsea To Win
Handicap betting: Chelsea (-1)
Christian Pulisic to score any time
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