Our betting expert has three Crystal Palace vs Chelsea tips for tonight’s Premier League match at Selhurst Park (8pm kick-off). Scroll down to see the analysis behind his selections.
Crystal Palace vs Chelsea betting tips
Odds correct at time of publishing and subject to change.
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Blues to edge entertaining game
Defending has been Chelsea’s main problem this season. They have failed to keep a clean sheet in five of their past six games in the league and conceded an average of 1.7 strikes per match.
The Blues did look more cohesive in the FA Cup win at Aston Villa but still gave up 15 shots. That will encourage Palace, who have scored in four of their previous five at home in all competitions.
Roy Hodgson’s side also gave a good account of themselves in the reverse fixture, a 2-1 win for the Blues at Stamford Bridge on December 27.
The Eagles, with games against relegation rivals Everton and Burnley to come before the end of February, can use this match to build confidence. They have been hit in the past week by the news that Michael Olise, Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze are set for spells on the sidelines – but Chelsea’s defensive woes mean they are there to be got at.
While Mauricio Pochettino’s side should have enough to get the points, it is unlikely to be a routine victory.
Crystal Palace vs Chelsea tip 1: Chelsea to win and both teams to score @ 5/2 with Sky Bet
Palmer proving to be Chelsea’s best recruit
Eyebrows were raised when the west Londoners signed Cole Palmer from Manchester City on the final day of the summer transfer window but their faith has paid off, with the playmaker having been their best performer so far this season.
He missed the reverse game through suspension but his form before and since has meant he has become undroppable for Pochettino.
A criticism of his game while at City was a perceived lack of end product but he is averaging a goal every other game in the Premier League and a Palace defence without Guehi adds to the possibility he will get chances.
Crystal Palace vs Chelsea tip 2: Cole Palmer anytime goalscorer @ 7/4 with Sky Bet
Mitchell makes the value in bet builder
Palmer’s total of 45 shots in the league for Chelsea is narrowly second to fellow summer arrival Nicolas Jackson’s, with 46 attempts at goal.
The Senegal forward’s return of seven league goals is not as impressive as it should be but that has not stopped him from trying, and he is well worth a look to have 2+ total shots tonight.
Former Palace loanee Conor Gallagher is also worth bundling up to commit 2+ fouls, with his 50 infringements this season the most of any Premier League player – 12 more than the second on that list, Nottingham Forest’s Ryan Yates.
A Jackson-Gallagher double is still short with the oddsmakers but is significantly enhanced by adding in a card for Palace defender Tyrick Mitchell.
The 24-year-old was booked in the reverse fixture, a game that featured running duels with Jackson, Christian Nkunku, Mykhailo Mudryk and match-winning substitute Noni Madueke.
All are likely to feature this evening and potential frustrations could get the better of Mitchell again.Â
Crystal Palace vs Chelsea tip 3: Bet builder: Nicolas Jackson 2+ shots, Conor Gallagher to commit 2+ fouls, Tyrick Mitchell to be carded @ 14/1 with Sky Bet
Crystal Palace vs Chelsea odds
Odds are correct at the time of publication and subject to change.