Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace: Team News, Preview, Live Stream and TV Info
Chelsea hope to continue their march to the 2016-17 Premier League title on Saturday, as the Blues host Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.
Manager Antonio Conte and his troops have won their last three Premier League matches and sport a healthy 10-point lead in the standings. Things are looking good, but the title hasn't been won just yet.
The Eagles won their last three matches before the international break and enter the match in excellent form. Crystal Palace sit just four points above the relegation zone and have every reason to give it their all on Saturday.
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Date: Saturday, April 1
Time: 3 p.m. GMT, 10 a.m. ET
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
TV Info: NBC Sports Live (U.S.)
Team News
As reported by WhoScored.com, Belgium international Thibaut Courtois returned from international duty with a knock, and compatriot Eden Hazard was forced out of the squad with injury, but the two are expected to be fit in time for Saturday's match.
Victor Moses and Diego Costa may also be ready for Palace. Per WhoScored.com, the latter has been cleared after a scan on his foot.
Crystal Palace won't be able to count on Loic Remy against his parent club. Meanwhile, Patrick van Aanholt and James McArthur are doubts.
Possible Chelsea XI: Thibaut Courtois, Gary Cahill, David Luiz, Cesar Azpilicueta, Marcos Alonso, N'Golo Kante, Cesc Fabregas, Victor Moses, Eden Hazard, Diego Costa, Pedro
Possible Crystal Palace XI: Wayne Hennessey, Joel Ward, James Tomkins, Mamadou Sakho, Jeffrey Schlupp, Yohan Cabaye, Luka Milivojevic, Wilfried Zaha, Jason Puncheon, Andros Townsend, Christian Benteke
Preview
With just 10 matches left in the Premier League for the Blues, Chelsea can afford to drop several results and still remain in pole position for the title.
Conte's troops have been remarkably consistent since making the switch to the 3-4-3 formation, and so far, opponents have found it nearly impossible to crack the system. Even when Chelsea haven't played their best, there has been enough magic in the squad to be decisive with a single moment of genius.
Defensively, the side has been solid, with Cesar Azpilicueta moving into the back-three almost seamlessly. The Spain international was happy to get back to work on the club level after the international break:
Crystal Palace should give the Blues defence another fine challenge. The Eagles feature plenty of speed and creativity out wide in the form of Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend, and in Christian Benteke, the two have an excellent striker to target with their crosses.
The Belgian was superb for the Red Devils in their 3-3 draw in Russia, grabbing some much-needed momentum in the process. Benteke hasn't done much in the Premier League since the turn of the year, but a solid showing for Belgium might be just what the doctor ordered.
He won't find it easy against Chelsea's all-star defence, however, and the Blues should have the quality to grab yet another win.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Crystal Palace
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