CHELSEA host Crystal Palace in Saturday’s early Premier League kick-off. Chris Clark (@ChrisClark1975) shares his verdict.
Chelsea v Crystal Palace | Saturday 9th November 2019, 12:30 | BT Sport
Chelsea are straight back into Premier League action on Saturday lunchtime after that tumultuous match against Ajax in the Champions League during midweek with Roy Hodgson’s Eagles at Stamford Bridge.
Those expecting goals-a-plenty might want to look elsewhere from the Bridge. Whilst Chelsea are averaging 3.00 goals per-game away (18 in 6), they find it tougher to break down teams in front of their home supporters.
The Blues have only scored seven in five league games here, and with the metronomic Jorginho missing through suspension and the mischievous Mason Mount likely to miss out through injury, Chelsea will be missing two vital parts of their centre midfield.
You would expect Mateo Kovacic to shuffle back into the deep-lying midfield role, however with Ross Barkley also struggling with an ankle injury, Chelsea will be lacking creativity in central midfield. So the Blues’ main threat could come out from the wide areas, and with the defensively lax Patrick Van Aanholt at left back for Palace, whoever plays right wing for Chelsea could fill their boots.
I fully expect Callum Hudson-Odoi to start on Saturday, with Willian probably being used in a more central area. Hudson-Odoi is a threat, and even though he is yet to score this season in the league, Saturday’s encounter gives him the perfect opportunity.
Hudson-Odoi is averaging a shot a game in his five Premier League appearances so far this season, however Van Aanholt will give him more opportunities with his dozy defending. Hudson-Odoi to score anytime is 12/5 with Betway.
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