13 August 2021, 22:01 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
English Premier League fixture, Chelsea F.C. vs. Crystal Palace F.C. kicks off at 15:00 (GTM+1) on Saturday, the 14th of August at Stamford Bridge.
Preview Chelsea Premier League, Aug 14, 2021
Preview Thomas Tuchel guided the Blues to a win over Villarreal in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday after Chelsea defeated the Spanish side, 6-5 on penalties. The German national helped the Blues to a 4th place finish last season and picked up the UEFA Champions League trophy five months after replacing Frank Lampard in the coaching seat. His success in Europe’s most prestigious tournament saw the Blues extend his initial 18-month contract by two years until June 2024. Now, the German would be looking to restore Chelsea on the podium as a contender for the Premier League title. In preparation for the new season, the Blues defeated Bournemouth and Arsenal by the same score-line, 2-1, in pre-season club friendlies. On the 4th of August, they played a 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur, with Hakim Ziyech (16’ & 49’) scoring a brace for the Blues in a bid to convince the coach for a possible future in the star-studded squad. Fikayo Tomori put pen to paper for a permanent deal with AC Milan for €29.2M after spending half of the season on loan with the Italian side. Olivier Giroud made an exit to reunite with the ex-teammate at Milan for €1M. Chelsea are working on the return of Romelu Lukaku with an announcement expected for the 115M rated Belgian striker before Friday. Thomas Tuchel is expected to line up with an attacking 4—3—3 formation with the trio: Kai Havertz, Mason Mount and Pulisic leading the front line.
Preview Crystal Palace Premier League, Aug 14, 2021
Preview Meanwhile, Patrick Vieira would be making his debut as coach in the English Premier League for Crystal Palace on Match Day 1 when he takes his place in the dug-out. His appointment at the helm was officially confirmed by the club on the 4th of July, 2021 after he penned a three-year deal with the Eagles until June 2024. After seeing his contract out and guiding Crystal Palace to a 14th place finish at the end of last season, Roy Hodgson departed the club. Under the tutelage of the former OGC Nice coach, Patrick Vieira, Palace would be aiming for a finish inside the top-ten come May 22, 2022, when the Premier League season comes to an end. Crystal Palace made several interesting acquisitions in the transfer market, - signing the likes of Michael Olise, Jacob Montes, and Remi Matthews. Additional arrivals are anticipated before midnight on August 31 when the transfer window shuts. Patrick Vieira will be relying on veteran striker Wilfred Zaha to lead his side to an unprecedented victory over the Red Devils. A 4—3—3 formation with Jordan Ayew and Andros Townsend supporting the centre-forward is expected.