The wheels came off Chelsea's title push over the festive period and they now face a tricky London derby with Crystal Palace as they bid to get 2025 off to a winning start.
Enzo Maresca's side were starting to look like genuine contenders as they closed the gap on Liverpool but they then stumbled big time, picking up just one point from their games with Everton, Fulham and Ipswich Town.
Like most people, our man Gabriel thought the Blues would get back on track at Portman Road but instead they crashed to a shock defeat that has left them trailing the leaders by 10 points, having played a game more.
Chelsea's odds for the title have now soared and it won't be easy getting back on track against a Palace side picking up a bit of form.
After a decent 0-0 draw at Bournemouth on Boxing Day, the Eagles claimed a huge three points by beating Southampton 2-1, bringing up a bet for Slips Tips.
How the bookies view it: Chelsea ready to turn the corner
Despite their dismal recent form, the Blues are BoyleSports' 20/23 favourites for this one, with Crystal Palace 11/4 outsiders and the draw paying 13/5.
Recent head to head: Blues bossing it
Crystal Palace have a terrible recent record in this fixture and you have to go all the way back to 2017 for their last win over Chelsea. That's a run of 15 games without a victory and 14 of those games have ended in Blues wins, although the Eagles did claim a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge earlier this season.
Players to watch: Cole's a gem
Cole Palmer remains the creative spark for Maresca's side and the playmaker scored last time out at Stamford Bridge in the 2-1 loss to Fulham. He's 7/5 at BoyleSports for another goal here and that looks decent value.
Chelsea still look a bit vulnerable in central defence and Crystal Palace target man Jean-Philippe Mateta could get a bit of joy. The Frenchman is 9/4 to add to his 12-goal tally this term.
Probable line-ups
Crystal Palace's injury issues are clearing a little but they still have Adam Wharton, Chadi Riad, Matheus Franca and Franco Umeh-Chibueze sidelined. Marc Guehi is available again after suspension but Trevor Chalobah can't play against his parent club.
Chelsea still have Wesley Fofana and Omari Kellyman out with injuries while Romeo Lavia, Benoit Badiashile and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall are doubts after sitting out the loss at Ipswich.
Crystal Palace: Henderson, Munoz, Mitchell, Guehi, Lacroix, Richards, Lerma, Hughes, Eze, Sar, Mateta.
Chelsea: Sanchez, Gusto, Cucurella, Colwill, Adarabioyo, Caicedo, Fernandez, Palmer, Neto, Sancho, Jackson.
Anything else catch the eye?
Chelsea have looked vulnerable at the back in recent weeks so we should see goals at both ends in this one. BTTS pays just 8/15 with BoyleSports but combining that with over 2.5 goals boosts the odds to 20/23. For longer odds, BTTS with no draw pays 5/4.
The Blues won 4-2 on the card count when these sides faced off earlier in the season and that was at home. So it could pay to back Maresca's side to pick up most cards here at 13/10 with Bet365. Moises Caicedo has picked up four yellows this term and is 9/4 for another card at BoyleSports.
Palace also won 5-4 on the corner count in that draw earlier this season so it could pay to back them at +0.5 in the corner handicap here, which pays 13/10 at BoyleSports.
This English Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea will be played on Jan 4, 2025 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Crystal Palace vs Chelsea prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
