PREM: Crystal Palace v Chelsea preview

Crystal Palace v Chelsea preview

Pedro will be sidelined for Chelsea's trip to Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Spain forward limped out of the 2-1 Boxing Day win at Watford with a hamstring problem, and could now be absent for two weeks.

Eden Hazard is set to continue in the false-nine role he has played in recent games, despite admitting that he prefers playing on the wing.

 

Speaking about the positional change, Blues manager Maurizio Sarri said: "I cannot see the problem of Hazard in this role, he played four matches as false number nine, and he scored three goals and two assists.

"I am really very happy with him in this position because he's very able to score, first of all, but he's very able to open spaces for the team-mates, to come and play with the team-mates.

 

"So at the moment I am very happy with him in this position, but in the future he can also play as a winger of course."

 

Roy Hodgson's Crystal Palace side shocked Chelsea 2-1 at Selhurst Park last season - their first win of that campaign - but he is well aware that result will have little influence on their chances this time.

He said: "Against Chelsea a little bit of fortune came our way. It was a spur for us because it showed us, not only are you on the right track but if you get the bounce of the ball, we can win games, even against the champions of England, as Chelsea were at the time.

"Very pleasant memories but that was then and winning a game last year is absolutely no good to you winning it this year! They are doing very well in the league and will be a tough ask for us."

 

Callum Hudson-Odoi will face a late fitness test after picking up a hamstring injury of his own at Watford, while Alvaro Morata is fully fit.

Hodgson reported no new injuries for Crystal Palace, with Wayne Hennessey (back), Cheikhou Kouyate and Martin Kelly (adductor) back in contention. Christian Benteke is the only player still unavailable.