Antonio Conte said the build-up to this game had been difficult, with fitness doubts surrounding a quartet of players, but he will be privately confident all four will be available as the leaders seek a 14th consecutive home victory. “This is a game of fundamental importance for us,” he offered, albeit with Manchester City due in west London on Wednesday. Crystal Palace’s issues are just as pressing, even after three successive wins and clean sheets. Their win at Stamford Bridge last season was a first since 1982. Even a point this time round would feel like a triumph. Dominic Fifield
Kick-off Saturday 3pm
Venue Stamford Bridge
Last season Chelsea 1 Crystal Palace 2
Referee Craig Pawson
This season G19, Y74, R3, 4.05 cards per game
Odds H 3-10 A 13-1 D 5-1
Chelsea
Subs from Begovic, Eduardo, Zouma, Terry, Aina, Matic, Aké, Loftus-Cheek, Batshuayi, Chalobah, Willian, Musonda
Doubtful Costa (ankle), Courtois (hip), Hazard (calf), Moses (calf)
Injured None
Suspended None
Form DWDWWW
Discipline Y53 R0
Leading scorer Costa 17
Crystal Palace
Subs from Speroni, Mandanda, Kelly, Dann, Delaney, McArthur, Fryers, Ledley, Flamini, Lee, Kaikai, Sako, Campbell
Doubtful Campbell (match fitness), Flamini (thigh), McArthur (back)
Injured Van Aanholt (ankle, 10 Apr), J Benteke (knee, May), Wickham (knee, Aug), Souaré (leg, unknown)
Suspended None
Form WLLWWW
Discipline Y62 R0
Unavailable Rémy (terms of loan)
Leading scorer C Benteke 9
