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Football London
Football London
Sport
Paul Clarke

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace predictions: Pundits not expecting easy ride at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea have made a strong start to the Premier League and they will be hoping that continues tomorrow (Saturday) at home to Crystal Palace.

Frank Lampard's men sit in fourth after winning their last five league games, while Roy Hodgson's side are back in ninth following a solid opening to the campaign.

Chelsea are the favourites to triumph at Stamford Bridge and all three pundits are unanimous in their verdicts on how the game will unfold.

Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson is backing Chelsea to win 2-0, while Arsenal great Charlie Nicholas feels that the Blues will secure a 2-1 victory.

Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen, believes that Chelsea will win and both teams will score.

From Lawrenson's perspective, it's Chelsea's attacking approach which will ensure a home victory.

"Before the season started, I thought Frank Lampard's side would struggle in attack, but they are exactly the opposite - they are getting goals from everywhere," Lawrenson explained in his BBC column.

"Lampard has only been a manager since the summer of 2018, while Palace boss Roy Hodgson has been one for 43 years. I don't think all of Hodgson's experience will help him get him a win at the Bridge, though."

Nicholas, however, thinks that the contest will be much tighter.

"Palace just keep plodding away - Gary Cahill has improved them. Wilfried Zaha likes to turn up in these games," Nicholas told Sky Sports.

"Mason Mount may be out, but Christian Pulisic is two footed, has lovely balance and is a great finisher. Chelsea had a wonderful comeback against Ajax - they should have seen the job off and they didn't in the end.

"Tammy Abraham is a bit cold and not getting into the areas that matter as such, but Willian has been playing well. I think Chelsea will get over the line but it will be a tight one."

Owen added in his BetVictor blog: "Crystal Palace have lost their last two home games, but they have already won at Old Trafford this season and came from 2-0 down to get a point at Arsenal in their last away game.

"The Eagles look sure to give Chelsea a severe test at Stamford Bridge, but I expect the Blues to keep all three points in this London derby."

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