Ahead of Crystal Palace’s trip to Chelsea, each team’s UAE Supporters Clubs previews the game for Sport360, including predicting the likely XIs and picking their players to watch.
Do you agree with the assessments of the Chelsea UAE Supporters Club and the CPFC Dubai Supporters Club? Let us know using #360fans on Twitter or commenting on the Sport360 Football Facebook page.
Toby Young, CHELSEA SUPPORTERS CLUB UAE
Saturday’s game sees Chelsea's first London derby of the season. It’s fair to say that the season hasn’t quite gone as expected so far. Chelsea upped their game in their recent victory over WBA but frankly, it couldn’t have got much worse after drawing with Swansea and losing to Manchester City.
It should really have been an easier win against the Baggies and John Terry was a little unlucky with the sending off – it probably skewed the result a little more than it should have. Pedro was fantastic on his debut and was key in all that was good about Chelsea going forward – his link-up play with Eden Hazard was of the highest order.
Chelsea don’t have a great deal injuries to worry about this week, aside from Oscar, while Terry is of course suspended so expect to see Kurt Zouma lining up alongside Cahill. Form wise there is a slight worry about Branislav Ivanovic, Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas, who have all had a slow start, but Jose Mourinho's Friday press conference gave rise to the belief that the squad have trained well and that improvement is coming.
PREDICTION: Chelsea 2-2 Crystal Palace
LIKELY CHELSEA XI: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Zouma, Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Pedro, Willian, Hazard; Costa
CHELSEA PLAYER TO WATCH: Eden Hazard – People seem to forget that the Belgian wizard also started last season slowly, before going on to be PFA Player of the Year. Jose has said he doesn’t expect Hazard to reach peak fitness until mid September but he showed glimpses of his best against West Brom.
Eden Hazard has directly participated in 65 goals in the BPL in 110 apps. One goal or assist every 1.6 games pic.twitter.com/Jp7v1431oF
— Hazard Stuff (@HazardStuff) August 24, 2015
PALACE’S PLAYER TO FEAR: Yannick Bolasie – He’s expected to be on the bench after the death of his father but if he comes on against tired Chelsea legs he could cause all sorts of problems with his pace and direct running.
FAVOURITE CHELSEA-PALACE MOMENT: A 3-1 victory at Stamford Bridge back in 1992-93. Richard Shaw scored an own goal from a Robert Fleck (we thought he would be a success back then) cross after four minutes. Mick Harford scored a cracker and also our third at a then-demolished Shed End.
WHERE TO WATCH: As ever we will be at Loca, at the Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa on the big screen. Everyone is welcome so please come and say hello!
FACEBOOK: Chelsea Supporters Club UAE
Keith Maisey, CPFC DUBAI SUPPORTERS CLUB
Palace lost narrowly home and away to Chelsea last season – – Damien Delaney’s first-half red card costing them in a 2-1 home defeat and Hazard’s goal on the stroke of half-time the difference in a 1-0 loss at Stamford Bridge. Both were creditable performances and should give the lads confidence ahead of Saturday’s trip to West London.
One thing is for sure, though, Palace need to tighten up at the back. The current back four seems quite settled but with the attacking presence Chelsea possess it promises to be a tricky outing at the Bridge. Stemming the creativity of Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas will be essential and James McArthur’s ability to break up play is vital to making it happen
Alan Pardew’s men have looked nervous at home at the start of this season, losing to Arsenal and sneaking a win against Aston Villa, with the players seeming to have a bit more freedom away from Selhurst Park. With Chelsea needing to step up a few gears after a mediocre start themselves, this could be an open game with lots of goals.
Finally, the thoughts of all Crystal Palace fans go out to Yannick Bolasie and his family after the death of his father last week. The winger is expected to be on the bench on Saturday, hopefully he will play some part
PREDICTION: Chelsea 2-2 Crystal Palace
LIKELY PALACE XI: McCarthy; Ward, Dann, Delaney, Souare; Cabaye, McArthur; Mutch, Zaha, Puncheon; Murray
PALACE PLAYER TO WATCH: James McArthur- The ball-winning midfielder needs to take the game by the scruff of the neck; he can stop Chelsea’ flow and build Palace’s attacks.
What a great win. That was for @YannickBolasie and his family #cpfc
— James Mcarthur (@jamesmcarthur16) August 22, 2015
CHELSEA PLAYER TO FEAR: Eden Hazard – Hasn’t hit the heights of last season yet but scored the winner against Palace last year and is always going to be a threat, even when not on top form.
FAVOURITE CHELSEA-PALACE MEMORY: It is slim pickings as Palace have only won one of their last 15 against Chelsea so it has to be that 1-0 win in March 2014. An own goal from John Terry put a huge dent in their title hopes and was emblematic of the Tony Pulis revolution that took Palace to safety.
WHERE TO WATCH: Loca Restaurant and Bar at Dubai Marine Beach Club and Resort, Jumeirah. It should be a great atmosphere, especially with some Chelsea fans also guaranteed to be there.
FACEBOOK: CPFC Supporters Club Dubai
