Premier League: Chelsea VS Crystal Palace: Predicted lineup, prediction
Crystal Palace's performance improved after their opening night loss to Arsenal. They have drawn with Liverpool, Brentford, and Newcastle United, but the failure against Manchester City would have been exceptionally hard for Vieira
Graham Potter big gameThe 16th position held by Vieira's squad after six rounds of competition is something the manager would like to change.
Crystal Palace's lone victory this season came against Aston Villa, but their manager will be anxious to add another when they face a Chelsea team in dire form.
Graham Potter will finally referee his first Premier League game for Chelsea on Saturday afternoon when Crystal Palace hosts the Blues in a London derby at Selhurst Park.
The Blues were fifth in the standings before the international break.
Before the international break, Nick Pope and Vicente Guaita stole the show as Newcastle United and Crystal Palace fought to a thrilling 0-0 draw.
This has done little to improve the Eagles' 16th position situation in the overall rankings, where they hover only two points above the relegation line. Still, they have a game in hand on most of the clubs around them and have only lost one of their past six matches across all competitions.
Head to Head: Crystal Palace has won 12 games against Chelsea and lost 34 while 15 have been draws.
Crystal Palace Predicted lineup
If James McArthur is unavailable, Vieira will likely stick with Cheick Doucoure, Jeffrey Schlupp, and Eberechi Eze, who have started every Premier League game this season.
Crystal Palace central defender James Tomkins is expected to return from a calf injury in time for Chelsea's visit, but Vieira will be without three injured players this weekend.
Michael Olise and Odsonne Edouard will attempt to replace Jordan Ayew and Jean-Michel Mateta. Still, the hosts may ultimately go with the same lineup that returned from Newcastle with a point.
Predicted lineup- Guaita Ward, Ayew, Mateta, Zaha, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell, Schlupp, Doucoure, and Eze.
Chelsea predicted lineup
N'Golo Kante has made a timely return to training as he recovers from a thigh injury, but Chelsea manager Graham Potter has admitted that the Frenchman is not yet ready for a competitive return; which is also true for Edouard Mendy.
Kepa Arrizabalaga will continue to play in goal for the time being. Potter has also disclosed that Marc Cucurella and Carney Chukwuemeka have contracted illnesses and will also miss the trip.
Gallagher may be relegated to the bench against his former team as Potter welcomes Wesley Fofana, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Ben Chilwell to his starting lineup.
Predicted lineup: Kepa, Mount, Aubameyang, Sterling, Fofana, Silva, Koulibaly, James, Jorginho, Kovacic, and Chilwell.
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace prediction
There are high expectations for the new Chelsea manager when his club faces Crystal Palace, who have struggled somewhat this season.
While Selhurst Park remains one of the most challenging venues, a healthy Chelsea team is anticipated to grab all three points.
Even if Patrick Vieira organizes a stubborn defence against the Blues, Potter's team is the clear favourite in this matchup.
Final prediction: A close win for Chelsea 2-1
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