New Chelsea forward Pedro (Photo : Reuters)
Defending Premier League champions Chelsea FC (1-1-1, 4 points) will go for a second consecutive victory in the new season as it faces contending team Crystal Palace FC (2-1-0, 6 points) at their home stadium of Stamford Bridge in Fulham, London on August 29, Saturday.
The Blues had struggled early in the season, settling for a 2-2 draw against Swansea City in their season opener at home and then falling to current league leader Manchester City, 0-3, in their next game at the Etihad.
Chelsea's most recent game was a breakthrough win as they finally had one versus West Bromwich Albion, 3-2, at The Hawthorns last Sunday.
Former FC Barcelona underused forward Pedro starred in his first game for José Mourinho, who opened the scoring right at the 20th-minute, as per ESPN. Resident striker Diego Costa and defender César Azpilicueta completed the board for the Pensioners all in the first half.
Crystal Palace also won their last game, a 2-1 drubbing of Aston Villa at the Selhurst Park last Saturday.
Defender Scott Dann and midfielder Bakary Sako provided the goals for the Eagles as they won their second contest in the season out of three tries, via NBC Sports' Pro Soccer Talk.
Manager Alan Pardew is looking to continue their good start with an upset against league favorites Chelsea, who had further strengthened their offense with the addition of the 28-year-old Spaniard from Barça.
The predicted result is a 2-1 win for Chelsea. Pedro will continue to inspire his seemingly lethargic teammates and The Special One will love every bit of it.
Chelsea starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): Courtois; Ivanovic, Azpilicueta, Zouma, Cahill; Hazard, Willian; Pedro, Matic, Fàbregas, Costa
Crystal Palace starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): McCarthy; Ward, Delaney, Souaré, Dann; Sako, McArthur; Zaha, Cabaye, Puncheon; Murray
