The Premier League title has been within touching distance for Chelsea for some time, but this weekend’s match with Crystal Palace is when they can actually win it. The Blues have been the most consistent team from the outset, but they have also been the best by some distance. Despite being labelled boring after last weekend’s goalless draw away to Arsenal, Jose Mourinho’s players have dominated this season’s a Premier League and will be deserving champions. The 3-1 win over Leicester on Wednesday night was another example of their ability to turn it on when needed. They were never at their best in the first half but going a goal behind seemed to spark them into life and they responded in great style after half time, blowing their opponents away in authoritative style.
Few could have predicted the impact that Alan Pardew would have when taking over as Crystal Palace manager at the turn of the year. It looked for all money that Palace would be involved in the battle for survival right to the end of the season but relegation has not been a factor for a while, now. An incredible run of form, where the Eagles won eight out of 12 Premier League games, see’s them sit comfortably in mid-table. The last couple of games have ended in defeat, however, as Pardew’s men have come undone in home games against teams who have are involved in the fight against relegation. Palace lost both 2-0 at home, which is the first time, under their current manager, they have lost consecutive league games, and the first time they have not managed to score in back-to-back matches.
There have been doubts raised as to how good this title win is, considering the lack of a serious challenger. Manchester City have been the only credible competition for the majority of the season, but in truth, their inconsistency has seen that challenge fade quite some time ago. With four games to go, Chelsea are on track to eclipse the points tally of two of their three title wins. When you consider how dominant those teams are look upon as having been, it’s somewhat of a surprise to read so much criticism of how they have went about their business this season. It should also be noted that this current squad is a much younger average age and Mourinho will be hoping to dominate with these players for a long time to come.
Even accounting for the last two games, Palace fans will be delighted of the progress made under Pardew. Tony Pulis was lauded for the job he done at Selhurst Park last year, including winning manager of the year, but this season’s efforts are on a par with that, if not better considering Pardew has had less time to rectify the situation. It is understandable that their season may just beginning to flatten out as they have had to play at such a high intensity from a long way out to ensure their safety. After their visit to Stamford Bridge, they still have to face Manchester United and Liverpool, before finishing at home to Swansea, so it’s probably a good thing that they are not in desperate need of points!
When people look back on this season, Chelsea and Crystal Palace will be considered two of the main success stories. Chelsea will obviously take the league title with them but Palace can look back on their own campaign and take many positives out of it. In terms of this fixture, I think the win over Leicester will mean Chelsea come into this much more relaxed which could spell danger for their visitors. Even though Mourinho’s men have not been as free-scoring as they were earlier in the season, but the run-in is always difficult and now they have all-but secured their first title since 2010, I can see them turning on the style. Crystal Palace seem like they are feeling the effects of that excellent spell between January and March, and I can see them being comprehensively beaten on what looks like being a day of celebration in London.
Chelsea -1.5(AH) 17/16 @ Betvictor
