Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview

Chelsea take on Crystal Palace in the type of fixture that proved surprisingly tricky for Jose Mourinho's team last season.

The Blues squandered their chances of capturing the Premier League crown largely because of points dropped against teams such as Palace, Aston Villa, West Ham United and Sunderland.

Mourinho's squad suffered a damaging 1-0 away defeat at Palace back in late March. Since then, the Eagles have ditched manager Tony Pulis and brought fiery Neil Warnock back to the club.

Warnock faces a tough task engineering a repeat of last season's triumph. Mourinho improved his team in key areas this summer, inspiring an unbeaten start that's put Chelsea five points clear at the top.

Here's the schedule and viewing information, followed by a preview and prediction:

Date: Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014

Time: 3 p.m. (BST)/10 a.m. (ET)

TV: NBCSN

Live Stream: NBC Sports Live Extra.

Preview

Mourinho may juggle his options in attack following the rigours of the recent international break. Wide forward Andre Schurrle was laid low by flu ahead of Germany's 1-1 Euro 2016 qualifying draw with Ireland, per Reuters (h/t The Guardian).

Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

The Guardian also confirmed that wing wizard Eden Hazard missed Belgium's 6-0 win over Andorra because of a toe injury. Hazard was then held out of his country's 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

With both players entering the game nursing ailments, Mourinho may turn to Brazilian Willian at some point.

But the Chelsea manager's biggest injury concern is undoubtedly centre-forward Diego Costa. The ex-Atletico Madrid man has bagged nine goals in just seven league matches this season, according to WhoScored.com.

However, Costa is set for a spell on the sidelines, according to Mourinho, per Daily Star reporter Bruce Archer:

"

Jose Mourinho confirmed the Spain striker was a doubt for this weekend's tie with Palace.

And now it has emerged the Premier League's top scorer could miss Chelsea's next five games.

The Blues head to Selhurst Park on Saturday before NK Maribor come to the Bridge on Tuesday.

"

Mourinho is likely to miss Costa's ruthless efficiency against a shaky Palace defence. Warnock's team have been breached seven times in five league matches since he took over.

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

But despite any woes at the back, Palace do possess players who can trouble Chelsea going forward. Midfield lynchpin Mile Jedinak is a tough tackler who has a knack for scoring from set pieces. Meanwhile, striker Fraizer Campbell and winger Yannick Bolasie possess pace that could stretch Chelsea's plodding back four.

But even with these players available, Warnock's main focus will likely be stifling Chelsea's forward breaks.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-2 Chelsea

Palace will push the Blues early and may even shock their high-powered visitors with an early goal. However, Chelsea's proficiency going forward will eventually tell.

Expect another commanding showing in the middle of the park to inspire a ruthlessly efficient response to spirited opposition.