Chelsea and Crystal Palace will meet on the opening day of the Premier League. The Champions League winners will hope to get the season started on a bright note while the fellow London club usher into a new era.
Chelsea
The Blues had an intense match-up at Belfast against Europa League winners Villarreal for the UEFA Super Cup. The club came out victorious on penalties to add more silverware in their collection.
Thomas Tuchel will be without the services of record signing Romelu Lukaku with the Belgian striker currently in quarantine. With the future of Tammy Abraham uncertain, the front three of Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, and Timo Werner are expected to start.
The German manager will also have to do without in-form Hakim Ziyech. The winger, who had a prolific pre-season and capped off a solid outing against the La Liga side, suffered an injury to his shoulder.
Ballon d’Or candidates Jorginho and N’Golo Kante are expected to grace the heart of the midfield. Marcos Alonso and Callum Hudson Odoi are slated to play the role of wing-backs since the England duo of Ben Chilwell and Reece James being short of match practice since their involvement in the Euros.
Crystal Palace
The Eagles are entering a new era after the end of Roy Hodgson’s helm at the club. Having appointed former Arsenal legend Patrick Vieria as the manager, the club have been very active in the ongoing transfer window.
They have secured the services of Marc Guehi, Joachim Andersen, Michael Olise, Remi Matthews, Jacob Montes and Conor Gallagher so far. They have also been active in departures as well with Andros Townsend’s move to Everton highlighting the list.
Wilfred Zaha is touted to lead the attack for the side with striker Ayew. The Londoners will have to play without bright youngster Eze, who is still recovering from a serious Achilles injury.
Waging Odds: Chelsea (1.25) vs Crystal Palace (13.00) (Draw- 6.50)
Chelsea are favourites and are priced at 1.25, meaning if you bet ₹100 on them and if they win the match, you’ll be making ₹125.
Denmark are priced at 13.00 and are the underdogs. Betting ₹100 on them will earn you ₹1300 if they come out as winners.
The odds for a draw are placed at 6.50. Betting ₹100 on them will earn you ₹650 if they come out as winners.
Our Prediction
Expect Chelsea to come out all guns blazing riding on the confidence of their Super Cup win. Jorginho and N’Golo Kante will strangle their Palace counterparts in the midfield and will boast the bulk of the possession.
A 3-0 win for Chelsea is on the cards with a particular eye on Kai Havertz and Timo Werner.
Place your bets for the match here.
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