Really looking forward to this one.

Two nil to Chels...

Slightly worried about this one. Can see them scoring so I hope we put our chances away.

a draw wouldn't be all that bad 

On 16/12/2016 at 03:34, Argo said:

Ideal scoreline would actually be another 1-0.

I remember in 08/09 when United had a series of 1-0 wins while we were trying to chase them and it was so deflating seeing the team at the top so close but yet so far from dropping points time after time after time, when Costa hit West Broms net and Tibo made that save you could almost feel the chasing packs sigh of dispair on our necks.

 That's 1 way to look at it..  Another way is if win by large convincing margin, sooner or later oppositions would lose hope, give up... "why do we even bother when chelsea are that damn good" soon will play in their mind, despair comes into play and affect their game eventually..

 

But if we only just do enough to get by, it actually gives them hope in the actual game time that they have realistic chance to cut the gap at any moment, that in itself is a motivation for them..

Reckon 3 games in a week, the trip to Sunderland, another early kickoff, and Palace playing Man U midweek will make this is a tough game for us, wouldn't be surprised if Palace win but no shame in defeat given our recent form. Hope Willian and Hazard both start.

Up the Chels!

Hazard is fit, so Conte will have to choose between Hazard and Willian. Ditto between Fabregas and Matic.. Palace are decent going forward but suspect at the back. I'm sure Conte will choose wisely. Arsenal play CITEH so three points against Palace is a must. I hope we can keep this winning run going. COME ON YOU BLUES !!!

Edited December 17, 20169 yr by TheBluesBrother

Think cesc will start

I also think this will be one unpredictable game. The last two we sort of understood the defensive nature of the teams, but this one, I don't know.

We are a team that is playing well. We are not a team that has been playing well enough, long enough,  to play with a swagger. There will be plenty of moments in this game when retiring to the bomb shelter will be a good idea. If we Thrash Crystal Palace it will be 2-1.

Fab benched, Matic in. Haz also starts

Back to the favourite line up ?

Courtois, Azpi, Zouma, Cahill, Moses, Alonso, Kante, Matic, Hazard, Willian, Costa

Good team, glad to have Hazard back.

 

Luiz knee must have got the better of him, that dirty midget bar steward! 

Edit* 

dont rely on sindre for team news:

Chelsea team: Courtois; Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Cahill (c); Moses, Kante, Matic, Alonso; Willian, Diego Costa, Hazard. #CRYCHE

Edited December 17, 20169 yr by DonAntonio

Hazard in for Pedro

Zouma distribution not as good as Luiz. I'd have played ivanovic if fit.

Another challenging game, but one I think we can win if we're 100% switched on. 

Very happy to see Hazard back in the side, but Zouma is starting on the bench with Luiz starting instead.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-2 Chelsea

 

Ok that's the team

Chelsea team: Courtois; Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Cahill (c); Moses, Kante, Matic, Alonso; Willian, Diego Costa, Hazard. #CRYCHE

Chelsea subs: Begovic, Ivanovic, Zouma, Chalobah, Fabregas, Pedro, Batshuayi. #CFC

https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/810084758692790272

Tbf I'd have started Willian in this one, think we'll need his engine.

Interesting that Willian starts. I wasn't quite sure whether Pedro (who in my eyes is a more natural fit for one of the roles in our front three) was Conte's actual first choice, or whether he was only starting because of Willian's compassionate leave. Still though, that's some pretty serious depth to have available to us!

Palace lineup, looks like a standard 4-5-1/4-3-3. Alternatively Cabaye could be slightly further forward in a sort of 4-2-3-1:

Hennessey, Ward, Dann (c), Delaney, Kelly, McArthur, Cabaye, Ledley, Puncheon, Zaha, Benteke

 

Also, despite the fact that Palace have four points from their last nine games, they've still managed to score 17 goals in that period. I imagine we'll need to knock in at least two if we want all three points.

Oh sorry lads, that was supposed to be Luiz and not Zouma as the CB.

 

Just now, Sindre said:

Oh sorry lads, that was supposed to be Luiz and not Zouma as the CB.

 

Just copy paste from the Chelsea twitter if you want to do the squad news mate 

Just now, Sindre said:

Oh sorry lads, that was supposed to be Luiz and not Zouma as the CB.

 

Easy to get those two mixed up to be fair mate.

Also a reminder to Australian posters that the match is being broadcasted on SBS from 11pm EST, so there's no need for online streams tonight.

Come on chelsea!!every game is huge from here on in!

Just now, Jezz said:

Also a reminder to Australian posters that the match is being broadcasted on SBS from 11pm EST, so there's no need for online streams tonight.

Cant wait mate