Pre-Match Briefing: Crystal Palace v Chelsea – part on

The first game of 2016 is also the first against a side we have played previously in the Premier League this season. Club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton ring in the new…

TALKING POINTS

Who will leave the Palace with honours this New Year? Chelsea’s need of points is greater than that of the hosts, but this season that has meant no guarantee of success.

The Blues completed 54 games in 2015, securing the Premier League title as well as winning the Capital One Cup by beating Tottenham Hotspur in March. Eden Hazard and Willian made the most appearances over the calendar year (51), each missing just three games, and Diego Costa scored the most goals: 14.

Chelsea’s record in the past five calendar years
	P	W	D	L	F	A	CS
2015	54	25	15	14	85	61	20
2014	56	38	11	7	111	37	29
2013	66	39	13	14	124	66	23
2012	65	36	15	14	137	77	21
2011	53	27	14	12	100	53	17

Now, after the halfway stage, come the return fixtures and we travel south to Selhurst Park for another London derby with Alan Pardew’s Crystal Palace, who are seeking a first ever league double against the Blues.

Over the past five league games they have earned almost twice as many points (nine compared to five) despite Chelsea scoring 50 per cent more goals (six/four). Yet their last two games have been goalless.

Key Stat

Our visit to Crystal Palace on Sunday is the first of eight successive games in London and the Home Counties (excluding potential cup matches).