Faltering Form for Chelsea
Things are going from bad to worse for the Blues, who have lost six of their last eight games in all competitions, which is their highest run of defeats since 1993.
Chelsea most recently lost to Fulham, which was a tight contest, until newcomer Joao Felix was sent to the showers early after a rash two-footed tackle on Kenny Tete, just 24 hours after his signing was announced.
Felix was fielded only after his first training session highlighting the need for an attacking threat for Chelsea, and contributed the most shots on target, won the most fouls and produced the highest amount of xG (0.82).
The West-London side will now need to find extra space in their physio room as Denis Zakaria went off injured with a thigh issue in the 56th minute, raising their injury count to ten of their first-team players. They have also now used more players in four months of this season (27) compared to the whole of last season (26).
Erratic Eagles
The Eagles look to put Graham Potter's position under more pressure, and fans should look for a response, after their defeat to bottom-of-the-league Southampton in the FA Cup last weekend.
Patrick Viera will be hoping to reignite Palace’s form and finish this half of the season strong. His team currently sit in twelfth and with no real threat of a relegation scrap, they should look to achieve a higher finish than last season.
However, they have not fared too far off of Chelsea’s form this season - both clubs are only two places apart, with the Blues three points ahead.
Palace have only won one out of their last six games, conceding nine goals. Their games against Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur saw them concede seven, with two players sent off at Craven Cottage.
Looking ahead, Palace face some tough upcoming fixtures against Manchester United and Newcastle - two teams who are in red-hot form and will be looking to climb the table further.
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Team News
Chelsea
Ruben Loftus-Cheek may be available for bench duty after entering first-team training to speed up his rehabilitation from a long-term ankle injury.
Ben Chilwell is expected to be the next Blues player to return, while the likes of Reece James, Edouard Mendy, Raheem Sterling, and Wesley Fofana will have to wait a few weeks longer.
Potter's team performed well while playing three at the back, and he may repeat the strategy. Marc Cucurella could be brought in at the back to allow Lewis Hall to continue at wing-back, following an impressive performance at Craven Cottage.
With Felix’s suspension, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang should be handed his first Chelsea start in attack since October.
Crystal Palace
Tyrick Mitchell returns from suspension and is expected to start at left-back for the game against Chelsea. Crystal Palace's only confirmed absentees are James McArthur and Nathan Ferguson due to injury.
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Line Up Predictions
Chelsea
Kepa; Cucurella, Koulibaly, Silva; Hall, Kovacic, Jorginho, Chalobah; Mount; Aubameyang, Havertz.
Crystal Palace
Guaita; Clyne, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Olise, Doucoure, Schlupp; Ayew, Zaha, Eze.
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Key Players
Chelsea: Kepa
Kepa is second in the league for save percentage this season and won save of the month back in October. The Spaniard should be a key player in his team's upcoming fixtures against Palace, Liverpool and Fulham.
With many injuries haunting the Blues, the goalkeeper will be more than important and will be relied upon to halter the attacking threat that can be imposed by Palace.
Crystal Palace: Wilfred Zaha
Wilfred Zaha is the continuing talisman for Palace and is this season's current top scorer for his team. He also finds himself in the top 70% percentile for key passes, pass completion and tackles won per 90 in the league so far.
The Eagles will look to capitalise on Chelsea's poor form and injury list, and with the threat of their midfield and attack, should look to rely upon Zaha’s experience to propel them towards three points.
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Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The match is being played at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, the 15th of January.
What time is kick-off?
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace is scheduled for a 2 pm GMT kick-off.
How can I watch?
The match will not be available on TV for UK viewers.