Chelsea v Crystal Palace: five key battles

Chelsea will be expected to pick up their first home win of the season on Saturday but will face a strengthened Crystal Palace side that has impressed so far this season. Here are five potential battles we think could be crucial in this weekend’s derby at Stamford Bridge.

Nemanja Matic v Yohan Cabaye
Palace’s marquee arrival has been key to their fine start to the campaign. Matic, who has looked short of his best at times so far this season, will need to keep the Frenchman quiet.

Pedro v Papa Souare
Palace’s left-back was given a torrid time by Aston Villa substitute Adama Traore last time out. Keeping Pedro’s box of tricks closed is an unenviable task.

Diego Costa v Alex McCarthy
Keeper McCarthy, recently signed from QPR, has made a promising start at his new club and can expect to be kept busy against a Chelsea front line led by Costa, who missed both games against Palace last season.

Branislav Ivanovic v Bakary Sako or Yannick Bolase
Sako scored Palace’s winner against Villa, while former Hillingdon Borough player Bolasie has made himself available for a return following the recent death of of his father. Either winger could pose a problem for the out-of-form Ivanovic, who has struggled against pace of Jefferson Montero, Raheem Sterling and Callum McManaman so far this season. Following the recent signing of left-back Baba Rahman, will Cesar Azpilicueta be switched to right-back?

“I want to challenge myself as a player by playing against this type of opposition.”
Yannick Bolasie, speaking to West London Sport last October ahead of Palace’s game against Chelsea.

Gary Cahill v Glenn Murray or Connor Wickham
Cahill is expected to be recalled in the absence of the suspended John Terry. He is under some pressure to perform, having been left out last week and with Chelsea keen to sign John Stones. Murray scored against Villa, while Wickham scored at the Bridge and was outstanding when Sunderland won there in April last year.