Chelsea travel across London to face Alan Pardew’s Crystal Palace side in Saturday’s early Premier League game, looking to extend their winning streak to an incredible 11 games in a row as they are just 1 win behind their all-time record-winning run which they achieved back in September 2009 when they won 11 games in a row.
Chelsea also have an impressive record in recent London Derbies having won 7 of their last 8 such Derbies with their last loss coming this season when they were still adjusting to playing under Antonio Conte and had not yet switched to the 3-4-3 formation and consequently they lost 3-0 to Arsenal at the Emirates back on September 24th.
As a result of the Blues’ amazing run of form Antonio Conte’s side are now guaranteed to be the Premier League leaders at Christmas. While this is a good position to be in at Christmas for the feel-good factor it actually is a very good omen as on the past 4 occasions Chelsea have been top of the table at Christmas the team has gone on to win the League title in 2014-15, 2009-10, 2005-06 and 2004-05. So the future looks rather good for Antonio Conte and his players based upon history.
Crystal Palace do not have a great recent history against Chelsea as they have only managed to score a meagre 3 goals in the past 7 Premier League games they have played at Selhurst Park against the Blues so goals have been a problem. To make matters worse one of Palace’s 7 recent goals was actually a John Terry own goal. On the plus side for Alan Pardew’s men, suddenly hot striker Christian Benteke has scored in four of his last six Premier League appearances against Chelsea which include his last two games played versus the Blues.
Crystal Palace come into the match sitting in 16th place in the League only 3 points above the relegation places after losing their last match in the final couple of minutes by a 2-1 score to Manchester United. Chelsea come into the match as we know on a 9 game winning run having won their last game 1-0 over Sunderland.
We expect Chelsea to maintain their winning run and to stay clear at the top of the table as we reckon they will beat the Eagles by a 3-1 scoreline as Diego Costa and Eden Hazard will provide the Blues’ offence.