BT Sport pundit Michael Owen is expecting Chelsea to edge an even contest when they take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park this afternoon.

The former England international says Thomas Tuchel’s side will be hoping to build on their victory in the final of the Club World Cup last weekend by securing the three points against the Eagles:

“Chelsea have had a week off after winning the Club World Cup, and I’d expect them to come back in good form. They’ve got a big couple of months ahead of them, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them lift some more silverware. This will be an even game, but I think Chelsea will have too much quality for Palace.”

Owen has gone with a 2-1 win to the Blues, which seems like a pretty fair prediction. Palace haven’t really been at the races in recent weeks, having won their last league game against Norwich at the end of December.

Patrick Vieira’s men have lost to West Ham and Liverpool at home over the past couple of months, as well as drawing away versus Brentford last Saturday.

While Chelsea haven’t exactly been at their best recently either, with some rather ropey performances, they should have enough in their locker to get the victory today.