Chelsea will be keen to build on their 2-1 win over Watford on Boxing Day, but a trip to Selhurst Park will be another test of their resilience.

Manager Maurizio Sarri will be without at least three first-team players. Pedro had to be subbed on Wednesday with a hamstring injury and is unlikely to feature this weekend.

The Spaniard was replaced by Callum Hudson-Odoi during the game against the Hornets but, unfortunately for the teenager, he also had to be substituted due to his own hamstring problem.

The pair are joined on the treatment table by Andreas Christensen who has had hamstring issues since being taken off during the 1-0 win over Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup quarter-final tie earlier this month. The Dane is unlikely to play any part on Sunday.

Alvaro Morata has, however, recovered from a twisted knee and should be in contention to return to the squad for Palace. Marco van Ginkel (knee) is out for the long-term.

Palace’s injury list is pretty short. Martin Kelly has sat out the last two league games with a groin strain but could be back in the squad this weekend. Wayne Hennessey remains a doubt with a back problem, with Vicente Guaita likely to keep his place in goal. Christian Benteke is still sidelined with a knee injury.

Bookmakers make Chelsea favourites to secure the win. The Blues are 14/19 with 188BET while a draw is 3/1 at Bet365. A Palace win is 9/4 with Betfred.

Chelsea’s Predicted XI To Face Crystal Palace:

Kepa, Azpilicueta, Rudiger, David Luiz, Alonso, Kante, Jorginho, Barkley, Willian, Giroud, Hazard

Palace’s Predicted XI:

Guaita, Wan-Bissaka, Tomkins, Sakho, van Aanholt, McArthur, Kouyate, Milivojevic, Meyer, Townsend, Zaha

Predicted Score – 1-0 to Chelsea